Akazawa Meets Trump and His Secretaries

Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization, Ryosei Akazawa, has his first meeting as the top negotiator with his counterparts of the United States, with attendance of President Donald Trump, on tariffs and other bilateral issues at White House, Washington D.C., on April 17th. While both governments agreed on seeking early agreement for enhancement of both economies, it is likely that Trump demanded Akazawa raising host nation support for U.S. Forces in Japan. Shape of the deal between Japan and the U.S. is eventually appearing in further negotiations.

Akazawa told the press after the meeting at White House that Trump put the top priority on negotiation with Japan. Both sides agreed on maintaining negotiation in a constructive manner for the earliest conclusion and announcement by both leaders, doing their best for fixing schedule for next meeting within this month, and continuing minister-level talks paralleled with officers-level ones.

 

Akazawa conveyed Trump a message from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba which expected an early comprehensive agreement to strengthen economy of both countries. In the meeting with U.S. Secretary of treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Akzawa expressed extreme regret on tariff policy of the U.S., requiring to rethink Trump’s tariffs.

 

Akazawa did not answer questions about what they had discussed, concerning about negative impact on the negotiation. But, to a question from reporter that asked whether they talked on security or currency, Akazawa gave a clue. “If I say this, you may understand what it is, but, there was no conversation about currency,” said Akazawa. It was reported that he indicated an U.S. pressure for further payment of Japan as security cost.

 

Trump had been expressing his frustration that Japan’s support for security sustained by the U.S. had not been enough. It is reported that Trump argued Japan’s payment for host nation support for U.S. Forces in Japan was not sufficient, as he complained about small share of U.S. car sales in Japan, and demanded elimination of U.S. trade deficit against Japan.

 

Japan recognizes itself as the top runner in negotiation over Trump’s tariffs. It is likely that the U.S. hopes to accelerate negotiation with Japan to make the deal with Japan a model of achievement of Trump administration in its unusually unilateral imposition of tariffs on foreign goods. Trump administration seems to want to conclude the negotiation before the deadline of moratorium of activating “reciprocal” tariffs, which was set for 90 days beginning from April 3rd.

 

Some Japanese companies consider shifting its facilities for production from Canada or Mexico to the U.S. to avoid Trump’s tariffs. It is supposed that the deal will pay well for Japan, considering the cost and weakened competitiveness brought by Trump’s tariffs, even if it causes more security cost.

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