On the 30th (local time), the United States and Japan held the fourth Minister-level tariff negotiations in Washington, D.C., and agreed to resume negotiations with an agreement between the leaders of the two countries in mind for mid-next month.
The U.S.-Japan negotiations are drawing attention as a gauge for the U.S.-South Korea talks, given that Japan has a significant manufacturing sector and a high dependency on security from the U.S.
According to NHK and Kyodo News, Japan's lead negotiator, Minister Ryozei Akazawa, met with reporters after the negotiations and said, "Both sides are fully aware of each other's positions and confirmed that discussions toward an agreement are progressing."
It was also reported that both sides agreed to conduct another Minister-level tariff negotiation around the 15th to 16th of next month before the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have exchanged intentions for a bilateral meeting at the G7 summit, leading to speculation that the negotiations on tariffs between the two countries may find common ground.
However, it appears that the two sides, meeting after a week since the 23rd, have not found an agreement during this fourth round of negotiations.
Minister Akazawa, when asked by reporters about the possibility of an agreement, only said, "I will withhold an answer" and did not mention specific progress.
In particular, he explained that Japan's fundamental position is to eliminate, rather than reduce, the 25% tariff on automobiles that is highly valued by Japan, noting, "Automobiles are important to us, but they are undoubtedly an area of interest for the U.S. as well."
He added, "The U.S. tariff measures are regrettable, and we remain firm in our position that they should be reconsidered."
He hinted at some proposals during the negotiations regarding the supply chain being a complement to the strengths possessed by both countries in areas related to economic security, including semiconductors and rare earth elements, and stated, "Rare earths are also an important topic."
After the tariff negotiations, the U.S. Treasury Department stated, "Continuing honest and constructive discussions, Minister Scott Bessent emphasized the importance of cooperation to resolve tariff and non-tariff issues, expand investment, and address economic security and mutual interests."
Additionally, Minister Bessent reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship and mentioned that both countries are continuing practical discussions on various economic issues, according to the Treasury Department.
The U.S. side was represented by Minister Bessent and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in this negotiation, which lasted for about 130 minutes.