Japan Eyes Trade Deal With US to Avoid Higher Auto Tariffs – Akazawa

Japan’s Akazawa Pushes for US Trade Deal to Avert Auto Tariff Hike

Japan's lead trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, indicated on Friday that a bilateral trade agreement with the United States could shield Japanese auto exports from President Donald Trump’s proposed tariff hikes on foreign-car imports.

Speaking ahead of his trip to Washington for the sixth round of bilateral trade talks, Akazawa stated:

"In general, if we can achieve an agreement, it should give special treatment to Japan, and exclude it from rules for the majority of countries."

Akazawa emphasized that Japan is fully engaged in direct negotiations with US counterparts and is optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial solution that avoids punitive tariffs.

Trump Eyes Higher Tariffs on Imported Cars

President Trump has hinted at raising tariffs on foreign car imports to encourage domestic manufacturing. The move could significantly affect Japan’s auto industry, which exports a large share of vehicles to the US.

Related: USD/JPY Volatility Amid Trade and Safe-Haven Flows

Akazawa’s comments appear aimed at positioning Japan for preferential treatment and avoiding broader tariff policies that may hit other exporting nations.

Conclusion

Japan’s trade leadership is working to safeguard its automotive sector from looming US import tariffs through ongoing negotiations. Markets and auto industry stakeholders will closely watch the outcome of these Washington talks.