Scott Vissent, the U.S. Minister of Finance, emphasized that the country that reaches an agreement first will achieve a favorable outcome as trade negotiations with South Korea are expected next week. This statement is interpreted as aimed at Japan, which has shown a cautious stance ahead of the negotiations.
On the 14th (local time), Minister Vissent said in an interview with Bloomberg TV, "Last week, there were negotiations with Vietnam, on Wednesday (16th) with Japan, and next week with South Korea," adding that "the negotiations will proceed quickly."
He noted regarding Japan's announcement that it would not rush the negotiations, "There will be advantages for our allies," stating, "Generally, the person who concludes the negotiations first achieves the best agreement."
On the same day, Shigeru Ishiba, the Japanese Prime Minister, expressed his intention to avoid a hasty conclusion by stating in the House of Representatives Budget Committee ahead of the negotiations with the U.S. on the 16th, "Only quickly wrapping up negotiations is not necessarily good."
When asked whether he expects there to be countries that will finalize negotiations before the 90-day reciprocal tariff suspension ends, Minister Vissent replied, "I think there could be many, and while it may not be actual documentation, we will reach a principled agreement."
This is where speculation arises that the Trump administration, pressed for time to sign traditional trade agreements, will come to a simplified form of agreement.
Subsequently, when asked whether it is possible to completely eliminate reciprocal tariffs through negotiations, Minister Vissent responded, "I tell the countries to 'bring your best offer' and I will see what they bring and start the negotiations from there."