Japanese PM Ishiba Wants to Hold Trade Talks with President Trump from a Position of Mutual Benefit

Japanese PM Ishiba Wants to Hold Trade Talks with President Trump from a Position of Mutual Benefit

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Friday that his country seeks a “win-win” outcome in tariff negotiations with the United States. He announced that a top economic aide will be sent to Washington next week for the discussions, according to local media reports.

During a government task force meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, Prime Minister Ishiba officially tasked Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa with leading formal talks with U.S. officials regarding the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

The Prime Minister stated,
“Some reciprocal tariffs have been temporarily suspended, but we cannot ignore the fact that critical sectors of our country—such as automobiles, steel, and aluminum—as well as the global economy, may face significant shocks due to the U.S. tariff policy.”

On Monday, Ishiba told President Trump during a phone call that the additional 24% tariff imposed by Washington—which has since been suspended—could weaken Japanese investment in the United States.

Both leaders agreed to appoint their respective officials to advance the tariff discussions.

Akazawa is expected to visit Washington next week to meet with U.S. officials.

Prime Minister Ishiba added,
“We are forming an ‘All-Japan’ team that will engage in talks with the U.S. and implement necessary support measures for our industrial sectors.”

It’s worth noting that on Wednesday, President Trump announced a 90-day suspension of additional tariffs on many countries worldwide, which means the tariff rate on Japanese goods has been kept at 10%.