Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s chief trade negotiator, spoke with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over the phone for 30 minutes, according to a Japanese official statement. The talks came after Akazawa held separate discussions with Lutnick and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday.
The Japanese administration described Saturday’s phone discussion as “very in-depth,” noting that both parties discussed the possibility of a mutually beneficial trade agreement. Akazawa had described his meetings as detailed and indicative of progress towards a potential bilateral trade deal.
These discussions are taking place ahead of a scheduled meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and US President Donald Trump on the margins of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders’ summit, which begins on Sunday in Canada. The Japanese side aims to achieve significant progress at the conference.
Japan is under pressure to finalise a trade agreement as it prepares to impose a 24% tariff rate starting in July. Tokyo is also seeking exemptions for its vehicle industry, which would otherwise be subject to a 25% levy. Automobiles remain an important part of Japan’s economy, and obtaining relief is regarded as a key priority in the continuing negotiations.
