Japan’s key officials to skip APEC meet attended by U.S. trade representative

Japan’s strategic decisions in international trade are increasingly being shaped by U.S.-specific factors like President Trump’s protectionist tariffs. Trade Minister Yoji Muto will skip a key gathering of trade chiefs, while Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s top tariff official, won’t attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, with State Trade Minister Masaki Ogushi stepping in instead to represent Tokyo at an APEC session in May. This cautious approach reflects growing reluctance to engage in deals amid the volatile trade environment triggered by U.S.-led protectionism, especially as key auto tariffs remain in place.