Japan and the United States Begin Seventh Round of Ministerial Tariff Talks, Akazawa Meets with Lutnik

Odaily Planet Daily – According to Kyodo News, Japan’s Minister for Economic Revitalization, Ryosei Akazawa, met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Luttig in Washington, D.C. on the 27th local time. The two sides held the seventh round of ministerial-level talks regarding the Trump administration’s high-tariff policy. The Japanese government stated: “Productive discussions were held. We will continue to make every effort to coordinate between Japan and the U.S. to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.” Ryosei Akazawa did not immediately speak to the media after the talks. The meeting lasted about one hour. Given that the deadline for the suspension of reciprocal tariff increases is July 9, and that Japan will hold its House of Councillors election vote counting on the 20th, Akazawa, considering automobiles as a matter of “national interest” for Japan, called for a significant reduction in the additional tariff rates. (Jin10)