Japan-US Trade Talks Stall as Trump Administration Shifts Demands
Japanese negotiators left Washington without a deal amid unclear US requests
Japanese trade officials recently departed Washington without securing a trade agreement with the United States, reportedly due to inconsistent demands from the Trump administration. Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa's visit ended without progress as Japanese negotiators expressed frustration over the US continuously changing its requirements. This uncertainty comes at a critical time as both nations attempt to negotiate before a 90-day tariff pause expires.
The situation represents a continuation of evolving trade relations between the two countries. In 2019, during Trump's first term, Japan and the US signed a bilateral trade deal reducing tariffs on various goods while avoiding higher US car duties. However, in 2025, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on automotive imports, including those from Japan, prompting Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to express concerns about consistency in US trade approaches. The current negotiations follow these developments as both sides attempt to establish new terms.
KEY POINTS
- •US keeps shifting trade demands
- •24% tariff threatens camera industry
- •Japan cites inconsistent US approach
The trade uncertainty is affecting various industries, particularly the camera market where Japanese manufacturers dominate production. Companies are experiencing unprecedented delays in providing pricing information for new products as they struggle to project costs without knowing potential import taxes. If no agreement is reached before the current pause on tariffs expires, Trump may implement a threatened 24% tariff, which could significantly impact the photography industry that has been recovering over the past four years.
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