Japan to continue to seek tariff removal in latest negotiations ahead of G7

Japan's top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, has made clear his determination to have all U.S. tariffs removed ahead of key ministerial-level talks set to take place before this month's leaders' summit. Akazawa emphasized the need for a full reversal of U.S. tariff measures but expressed uncertainty about meeting officials during the fifth round of trade negotiations. Meanwhile, the U.S. has recently doubled its tariffs on steel and aluminum, with Japan facing additional taxes on cars at 25% and all other goods at 10%. The across-the-board tariff rate is expected to rise further unless a deal is reached, creating urgency for both sides to find common ground.