Japan’s top trade negotiator said he expects to visit the U.S. at least once more before the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump issues an executive order that would formally lower tariffs on goods imported from Japan.
"At this point, I will likely visit the U.S. at least once before the executive order is issued,” Ryosei Akazawa, minister for economic revitalization, said in a post-Cabinet meeting news conference Friday. "After the administrative consultations are finalized, consultations among ministers will still be required, and there are consultations that must be completed before the agreement can be implemented.”
Akazawa, who has led Japan’s efforts to reach a trade deal with the U.S., canceled a planned visit to Washington at the last minute Thursday as it became clear that more administrative discussions were needed. Japanese staff are currently in the U.S. discussing these matters with their U.S. counterparts, he said Friday.
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