Japan Set to Initiate Tariff Discussions with Trump Administration in Washington, D.C. – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
9:28 AM – Wednesday, April 16, 2025
President Donald Trump announced that Japan is poised to begin tariff discussions with the United States in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, positioning them as one of the inaugural nations eager to gauge the president’s openness to retracting extensive tariffs.
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“Japan is coming in today to negotiate Tariffs, the cost of military support, and ‘TRADE FAIRNESS’,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.
“I will be present at the meeting, accompanied by the Treasury and Commerce Secretaries. I hope we can come to an arrangement that is beneficial (GREAT!) for both Japan and the USA!”
This gathering follows a recent announcement from the Trump administration indicating it has received proposals from a minimum of 15 countries concerning trade agreements after the president declared a 90-day suspension on reciprocal tariffs last week.
In addition, over 75 nations have expressed interest in initiating discussions, according to the Trump administration.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who will participate in the discussions alongside Japan’s chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, emphasized the “first mover advantage” considering the plethora of countries eager to finalize agreements.
Prior to the 90-day suspension, Japan faced 24% tariffs on exports to the U.S.
A 10% universal rate remains in effect alongside a 25% tariff on automobiles, a crucial sector for Japan’s economy.
However, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba mentioned on Monday that Japan will not be hurrying into any agreements and has no intention of making significant concessions. Still, Ishiba did dismiss the prospect of retaliatory tariffs.
The announcement of the negotiations has ignited optimism among some economists.
“I am optimistic that Japan and the U.S. will be able to reach a favorable agreement that benefits both countries, expands consumer markets for each other’s exporters, and reflects the military assistance we have provided Japan for many years,” said EJ Antoni, an economist at the Heritage Foundation.
“These discussions ultimately aim to enhance trade freedom, not restrict it. It is also crucial to continue isolating China from its geographical and economic partners, positioning Japan as an essential ally in this endeavor.”
Conversely, Kurt Tong, a managing partner at The Asia Group consultancy, suggested that Japan may encounter challenges due to the significant leverage the U.S. has established.
“The challenge for the Japanese delegation lies in the substantial leverage the United States has created unilaterally,” Tong, a former State Department official, explained.
“The U.S. is in a position to refrain from imposing penalties, while Japan finds itself needing to present substantial incentives. From their standpoint, this feels like economic coercion.”
The White House has also indicated its desire to address other matters with its close ally, including the costs associated with hosting U.S. troops in Japan.
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