U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Visit Japan July 19 for Osaka Expo, Skipping G20, Focus on Tariff Talks

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to visit Japan next week to attend the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, marking his first visit to the country since assuming office. The visit is planned for July 19, coinciding with the United States' National Day at the Expo. While Bessent will not participate in the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) finance ministers meeting in South Africa, his presence at the Expo has drawn attention due to ongoing U.S.-Japan tariff negotiations that began in April. Although no formal trade or tariff talks are officially scheduled during the visit, discussions between Bessent and Japan's Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, who oversees tariff negotiations, remain a focal point. The White House has confirmed Bessent's attendance at the Expo, and the outcome of any potential meetings with Japanese officials is being closely watched. Additionally, Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, is also expected to visit the Expo in August for Ukraine's National Day event.