米べい関税かんぜい措置そち 日にち米べい閣僚かくりょう交渉こうしょう G7にあわせ首脳しゅのう間かん合意ごういも視野しやに協議きょうぎへ

The ministerial negotiations between Japan and the United States in response to U.S. tariff measures confirmed that discussions would proceed with a view to reaching an agreement between the leaders at the G7 Summit in June.

Minister Akazawa, who is in charge of economic revitalization, is making arrangements to visit the United States again later this week, and the focus will be on whether concrete progress can be made in the next round of negotiations.

Regarding the U.S. tariff measures, Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa held separate ministerial negotiations in Washington with Secretary of Commerce Raimondo and USTR Representative Tai between the 23rd and 24th Japan time, and once again strongly urged them to review the series of tariff measures.

On that basis, it was confirmed that, in view of the expected meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump at the G7 Summit to be held in Canada in mid-June, ministers will continue to hold close consultations with a view to reaching a certain agreement in time for the summit.

Minister Akazawa told reporters, Since the two leaders will definitely meet at the G7 Summit, it would be highly desirable if some sort of agreement could be reached on that occasion.

On the other hand, in this negotiation, since U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent was unavailable, Minister Akazawa expressed his desire to hold negotiations including Secretary Bessent as soon as possible. After returning to Japan on the 25th, he plans to expedite preparations based on the results of this negotiation.

And adjustments are being made for another visit to the United States later this week, with the focus on whether concrete progress can be made in the next round of negotiations.