Japan and U.S. to continue tariff talks as July deadline looms

Japan's chief tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday, agreeing to continue negotiations to reach a deal that serves the national interests of both sides.

Their meeting, which preceded the July 9 expiration of a suspension of additional U.S. "reciprocal" tariffs, marked the seventh round of bilateral ministerial talks over the measures imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Through his repeated visits to the United States, Akazawa, who also serves as economic revitalization minister, has been urging the U.S. side to review the Trump tariffs.

Japan released a statement that the two sides had "a fruitful discussion." But it is unlikely that they filled closed a cavernous gap over key issues including tariffs on automotive imports from Japan.

During Friday's 65-minute meeting, Akazawa and Lutnick discussed bilateral trade expansion, nontariff barriers and cooperation on economic security.

Akazawa is also believed to have called for a review of additional tariffs on automobiles, steel and aluminum. He did not hold talks with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday.

Another focus of the bilateral negotiations is whether the suspension of the additional reciprocal tariffs on Japan will be extended.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday hinted at a possible delay in the implementation of the additional levies.

At a news conference Friday, Trump said that his administration could extend the suspension but wants to make it short.

Also on Friday, Bessent said he believes that tariff negotiations with trading partners could be wrapped up by the Sept. 1 Labor Day holiday.

He said that the deadline could be extended for 18 main trading partners, such as Britain and China, but he did not mention Japan.

Some countries will be able to conclude their negotiations with Washington by around July 9, while the additional tariffs may be imposed on economies that are unable to do so, he added.

But Bessent said the reciprocal tariffs may be limited to the current uniform levy of 10% for trading partners judged to be holding talks in good faith.