A high-level meeting between Japanese and US ministers has ended without an agreement over tariffs, despite claims of “progress” by US president Donald Trump.
Talks between the two countries had been seen as an important test for tariff negotiations and the White House’s ability to reach agreements with other nations over Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ tariffs.
Japanese imports into the US have been hit with 25% tariffs, although these have been ‘paused’ for 90 days, leaving them on the baseline rate of 10%.
Consultation
The Japanese foreign ministry confirmed that a “consultation on US tariff measures” had been held.
The meeting featured high-level figures such as Japan’s minister for economic revitalisation, Ryosei Akazawa, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent, US secretary of commerce Howard Lutnick and US trade representative Jamieson Greer.
Akazawa called the tariff measures “extremely regrettable” and strongly urged the US to reconsider.
‘Friendly and constructive’
The Japan Times reported that the meeting was “friendly and constructive”, but nothing was agreed except another meeting.
The Japan foreign office confirmed that discussions would continue, with the hope being to reach an agreement at the “earliest possible opportunity”.
“There are still gaps between the respective stances of Japan and the US,” said Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba today (17 April).
Progress?
A separate announcement confirmed Trump had made a 50-minute “courtesy call” with Akazawa.
On Truth Social, Trump posted:
“A great honour to have just met with the Japanese delegation on trade. Big progress!”
At the beginning of April, Japan released a joint statement with China and South Korea, promising a joint-response to Trump’s tariffs and to accelerate negotiations on tri-lateral free trade.
