Japan Envoy Akazawa Plans US Visit Next Week for Tariff Talks

Japan’s chief tariff negotiator, Akazawa, is arranging to travel to Washington next week for another round of talks with U.S. officials, according to Japanese media reports including the Mainichi newspaper. The visit will extend discussions aimed at easing trade tensions that have persisted since the United States imposed a sweeping 145% tariff on Chinese goods in April, a move that has had knock-on effects for other Asian exporters. Tokyo and Washington have held several meetings in recent months as Japan seeks to secure exemptions for its manufacturers and prevent supply-chain disruptions.