関税かんぜいめぐる日にち米べい交渉こうしょう アメリカの元もと交渉こうしょう官かんが語かたるポイントは？

Michael Beeman, who served for 16 years at the USTR United States Trade Representative and was involved in negotiations with Japan and others as a Deputy Trade Representative during the first Trump administration, responded to an NHK interview about the focus of the negotiations between Japan and the United States to be held in Washington on the 17th Japan time, regarding the tariff measures of the Trump administration.

The seriousness of Japan is being tested In this context, Mr. Beeman points out that there are differing views on the negotiation points between Japan and the U.S. He notes that while the Japanese side is trying to narrow the scope of areas that the Trump administration is seeking, the American side will focus on reducing the trade deficit, which is a priority for President Trump.

It will be tested how seriously Japan intends to approach this negotiation and whether it is willing to discuss issues across various fields to achieve its goals, he stated.

Focus on Reducing Trade Deficit: Regarding the reduction of the trade deficit, it was indicated that negotiations surrounding automobiles and auto parts, which are factors contributing to the chronic trade deficit that the United States faces, will be key.

Furthermore, it indicated that many of Japans trade barriers, highlighted over several pages in the report published by the USTR last month, such as expanding access for American agricultural products to the Japanese market and deregulating certain industrial products, are expected to be on the agenda.

Mr. Beeman stated that a package plan, including the purchase of American-produced LNG liquefied natural gas by Japan, would also be discussed to reduce the U.S. trade deficit.

What is the role division on the American side? Regarding the role division of Treasury Secretary Bessent and USTR United States Trade Representative Representative Greer in negotiations with Japan, it was indicated that since the U.S. Treasury Department does not have staff to negotiate trade issues, Representative Greer will take the lead in negotiations concerning tariffs and non-tariff barriers.

On the other hand, it was pointed out that in areas such as currency issues under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, including foreign exchange manipulation, and broader trade imbalances, Secretary Bessent would play a role, reflecting President Trumps goals in reaching an agreement with Japan.

Building relationships at the leadership level is important. Based on the experience of negotiating with Japan so far, it was stated that Japan is skilled at predicting what might happen in negotiations and taking the initiative. Therefore, it is extremely important to build and maintain relationships at the leadership level to bring about mutually acceptable results.