U.S. and Japan tariff talks officially begin

Japan’s chief trade negotiator Ryo Akasawa said the United States and Japan launched tariff talks to reach an agreement as soon as possible, but exchange rates were not discussed.

Akasawa held trade talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Benson and Trade Representative Greer after meeting with U.S. President Trump.

Akasawa said in Washington on Wednesday that the talks did not lead to an immediate halt to tariff measures, but preparations are being made for a second round of talks later this month.

Japan was one of the first countries to start formal negotiations on U.S. tariffs, and many countries are closely watching the developments.

Despite Japan’s repeated requests for exemptions, Trump has already imposed 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles.

“There was no discussion of exchange rates,” Akasawa said after the talks. He also did not comment on whether topics such as security issues and non-tariff barriers were discussed, but said both sides were committed to continuing negotiations.

He added that the date of the next meeting has not yet been determined, but the United States seems to be seeking to reach an agreement before the end of the 90-day suspension period of reciprocal tariffs.