Overview

• In a Fox News interview on June 29, Trump called U.S. imports of Japanese cars unfair and highlighted a large trade deficit.
• He said he could unilaterally impose or maintain a 25 percent tariff on Japanese vehicles by sending a letter to Japanese officials.
• Japan’s chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa extended his stay in Washington for a seventh round of talks before the July 9 cutoff.
• Japanese officials described a June 29 meeting between Akazawa and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as “fruitful” and pledged to keep negotiating.
• It remains unclear whether the two sides will strike a deal or secure an extended reprieve from planned tariff hikes next week.