Overview

• Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced that Ryosei Akazawa’s visit was called off as coordination with Washington exposed issues to be handled at the administrative level.
• Akazawa had planned to press for lower duties on Japanese autos and parts and for protection from tariff stacking through amendments to President Trump’s executive order.
• The pause complicates completion of Japan’s pledged $550 billion U.S. investment package that is linked to tariff relief under a framework setting a 15% baseline rate.
• A dispute over profits persists after President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described a 90% share for the United States, a characterization Japanese officials have resisted.
• Next steps remain uncertain, with Reuters citing a source suggesting a possible visit next week while Kyodo reports no decision on rescheduling.