Japanese officials traveled to Washington this week seeking guarantees that their nation won’t face unfair treatment under America’s newest tariff policies, according to statements made Friday by Japan’s trade minister.
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa revealed he spent two hours meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, requesting protection from a possible 15% tariff on Japanese products. Akazawa spoke to media following their discussion.
The diplomatic outreach follows recent changes to US trade policy after the Supreme Court struck down several of President Donald Trump’s major tariffs in February. Washington responded by implementing a new 10% across-the-board tariff that has the potential to increase to 15%, creating fresh concerns worldwide about existing trade agreements and import costs.
According to Akazawa, both nations confirmed their dedication to the trade agreement reached last year, which established a standard 15% tariff on almost all Japanese imports. This represented a significant reduction from the previous 27.5% rate on automobiles and the initially proposed 25% on most other products.
“We requested that Japan’s treatment under the new tariff rules would not become less favorable than what was agreed last year,” Akazawa stated, explaining that Trump’s new universal tariff could potentially increase expenses for specific Japanese export products.
The minister chose not to reveal how American officials responded to Japan’s request.
Akazawa further disclosed that he and Lutnick explored various initiatives connected to Japan’s $550-billion investment commitment to the United States, along with collaboration on energy and essential minerals. These discussions occur before Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s scheduled Washington visit on March 19.
Previous Reuters reporting indicated that both countries are working to incorporate a nuclear energy project featuring Westinghouse into the second phase of agreements under Tokyo’s investment promises made as part of the US tariff deal.
In February, officials announced the initial phase consisting of three projects valued at $36 billion total, encompassing offshore drilling operations, natural gas development, and synthetic diamond production.
The US Commerce Department posted on social media platform X that Lutnick and Akazawa conducted discussions about enhancing economic relationships following February’s investment agreement, without referencing tariff matters.
