Japan, U.S. Intensify Tariff Talks as 24% Levy Deadline Looms

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Updated Jul 5, 2025, 07:34 PM

Japan’s chief tariff negotiator, Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, held two telephone discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on July 3 and July 5, the Japanese government said. Tokyo described the exchanges as “in-depth,” but reported no breakthrough as the two sides try to prevent the re-imposition of a 24% reciprocal tariff on Japanese goods when a temporary pause expires on July 9.

The renewed talks follow a 30-minute meeting between Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Donald Trump on the sidelines of last month’s G7 summit in Canada, where the leaders failed to close gaps over U.S. tariff policy, particularly on automobiles. Despite what officials called a constructive atmosphere, both governments acknowledged that significant differences remain.

Tokyo said it will keep “actively coordinating” with Washington ahead of the deadline. Japanese negotiators have offered increased purchases of U.S. farm products and deeper economic-security cooperation, while seeking relief on auto tariffs. Whether the latest minister-level contacts can avert the planned levy will become clear in the coming days.

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