Japan’s top tariff envoy, Ryosei Akazawa, departed for Washington on Thursday to urge US President Donald Trump to finalize an executive order that would enforce a long-awaited bilateral trade deal.
The agreement, announced by Trump on July 22, promised sweeping tariff reductions, including a cut in US automobile levies from a threatened 25 percent to 15 percent, and Japanese car tariffs from 27.5 percent to 15 percent. Automobiles and auto parts represent nearly 8 percent of Japan’s workforce, making the issue a high-stakes negotiation.
Speaking at Tokyo’s airport before departure, Akazawa stressed the urgency of the executive order, saying it was vital for “reciprocal tariff adjustments” that ensure economic security and growth for both nations.
Akazawa’s trip follows his sudden cancellation last week, reportedly due to unresolved working-level talks. According to NHK, discussions will also cover Trump’s claim that Japan will commit $550 billion in US investments, of which Washington expects to retain 90 percent of profits. Japanese officials, however, clarified that much of the package will be structured as loans and loan guarantees.
The delay comes amid reports from the Nikkei business daily that Washington may tie the order to further reductions in Japanese tariffs on agricultural imports, particularly American rice — a long-standing demand from Trump.
The visit is expected to determine whether the Japan-US trade pact can move forward or face further delays, with both economies watching closely.
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