Japan's trade envoy cancels US trip over tariff negotiations
- Ryosei Akazawa's trip to Washington, D.C. was canceled due to the need for further consultations on tariffs negotiations.
- The September discussions were meant to follow up on an agreement to lower tariffs on Japanese goods to 15% from a 25% rate.
- The cancellation signifies ongoing challenges in negotiating terms beneficial to both Japan and the United States.
On August 28, 2025, the top trade negotiator from Japan, Ryosei Akazawa, canceled a planned trip to Washington, D.C., aimed at negotiating a tariffs deal with the Trump administration. This decision came amid concerns that further consultations were necessary regarding the trip's mission and its objectives. Originally, Akazawa was expected to discuss lowering tariffs on Japanese cars and auto parts and to request an exemption from additional tariffs that had been imposed. However, Japanese officials later expressed dissatisfaction with the details of the preliminary agreement. The visit was intended to continue discussions following the preliminary agreement announced on July 22, where both countries agreed to lower tariffs on imports of most Japanese goods to 15%, down from the previously set 25% rate. Officials had raised objections after realizing the initial deal would inadvertently add a 15% tariff on top of existing tariffs, which caused complications and led to demands for refunds on excess duties paid. The abrupt cancellation has heightened tensions in negotiations and highlights Japan's urgency for a quick resolution to the tariffs issue. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi reiterated the importance of timely implementation of the deal during a press briefing, suggesting that Japan expected the U.S. to take proactive steps to amend its tariff system. Despite their efforts, implementation remains unresolved, and Japan’s calls for amendments have not led to any significant movements from the U.S. side, according to reports from Tokyo. In recent communications, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that the United States was eager to finalize the deal, emphasizing the potential for Japan to invest upwards of $550 billion in the U.S. economy over the coming years. The postponement of Akazawa's visit, therefore, raises concerns about the state of economic relations and mutual understanding between these two key allies, highlighting that swift action is needed to finalize agreements that are key for economic security for both countries.