Overview

• Formal negotiations between the US and Japan commenced on April 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C., focusing on tariffs, military support funding, and economic grievances.
• President Trump, alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce officials, is directly involved in the talks, signaling the high stakes of the discussions.
• Japan’s delegation, led by Ryosei Akazawa, aims to secure a mutually beneficial agreement while resisting pressure for significant concessions or retaliatory tariffs.
• The discussions extend beyond tariffs to include non-tariff barriers, currency policies, and government subsidies, reflecting a comprehensive trade agenda.
• Japan's role as the first major country to negotiate under Trump’s reciprocal tariff framework is seen as a precedent for other nations navigating similar trade deals.