Japan and the United States are planning a summit between Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Donald Trump in Canada during the Group of Seven leaders' meeting in mid-June. This information comes from sources familiar with the matter.
Prior to the G7 gathering, Japan's chief tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, is scheduled to visit Washington for the sixth round of ministerial-level negotiations concerning the Trump tariffs. This meeting is planned for Friday and is intended to set the stage for the leaders' meeting.
The Japanese government had considered an alternative plan for Ishiba to travel to the United States before the G7 summit and meet with Trump in person. However, this was contingent on the progress of the ministerial-level negotiations.
Previous negotiation rounds have not resolved the disagreements between the two nations. Akazawa, a close advisor to Ishiba, is focused on bridging the gap regarding Trump's tariff policy. Following the ministerial meeting, Akazawa will travel to Canada to maintain communication with Ishiba. The minister for economic revitalization is expected to return to Japan on June 18.
Japan has requested that the Trump administration eliminate its tariffs on cars, steel, and aluminum, along with a 10 percent baseline levy as part of a "reciprocal" tariff. Japan also opposes the 14 percent country-specific portion of the reciprocal tariff, which has been temporarily suspended.
However, Japan is now considering accepting reduced tariff rates, as the United States has consistently refused to eliminate the duties. Both Japan and the United States are aiming to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Ishiba has emphasized the importance of the allies focusing on increasing investment and creating jobs in the United States. Trump is seeking to reduce his country's significant trade deficit with Japan.
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