Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Japan and U.S. Trade Talks: Complex Negotiations Ahead

4/19/2025

41 5

Summary

Story summary

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is pushing for tangible advancements in tariff talks with the U.S. after a promising initial round. Chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa met with President Trump, who is focused on shrinking the U.S. trade deficit. With Japan's trade surplus at 9 trillion yen and looming defense and currency concerns, the negotiations are set to be complex and prolonged.

1 of 1

Story summary

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is pushing for tangible advancements in tariff talks with the U.S. after a promising initial round. Chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa met with President Trump, who is focused on shrinking the U.S. trade deficit. With Japan's trade surplus at 9 trillion yen and looming defense and currency concerns, the negotiations are set to be complex and prolonged.