Japan’s Kato: No Plans Yet for Talks With US Treasury Secretary Bessent

Japan’s Kato: No Plans Yet for Talks With US Treasury Secretary Bessent

Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said on Tuesday that there are currently no plans in place to hold trade discussions with US Treasury Secretary Bessent. The statement comes in the wake of the failed trade negotiations between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the G7 summit.

Post-G7 Stalemate Continues

The announcement follows the stalled efforts on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit, where both Trump and Ishiba were unable to reach an agreement on key trade terms—particularly on the removal of US-imposed 25% tariffs on Japanese automobiles and 24% tariffs on other goods.

Minister Kato did not elaborate further on whether negotiations would resume prior to the July 9 deadline for the suspension of these tariffs but noted that no concrete agenda is currently under discussion with Secretary Bessent.

Broader Implications

The lack of progress reflects ongoing tensions in US-Japan trade relations and has raised concerns about the potential for economic disruption, especially in Japan's key export sectors. With the diplomatic path unclear, attention now shifts to whether Washington or Tokyo will initiate the next round of talks.

Conclusion

As Japan holds its position amid failed G7 trade talks, Minister Kato’s remarks signal a pause in bilateral negotiations. Market watchers, policymakers, and exporters will closely monitor developments in the coming weeks, especially as the tariff suspension deadline nears.

Internal Linking Suggestions (for Tredu.com):

• US-Japan Trade Negotiation Timeline
• What Happened at the 2025 G7 Summit
• How Auto Tariffs Impact the Global Market
• US Treasury Policy Tracker