Tokyo: Japan's top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have agreed to continue "vigorous consultations" between their countries concerning US tariff measures, Japan's Foreign Ministry announced. The agreement follows a 40-minute phone conversation between Akazawa, who also serves as Economic Revitalization Minister, and Lutnick. The discussion came in the wake of US President Donald Trump's announcement on Monday of a 25 percent tariff on all imports from Japan, effective August 1.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Japanese government is actively seeking a mutually beneficial agreement with the US. Akazawa has made seven trips to the US to engage in tariff discussions with American officials, including Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.