Japan urges US to lift tariffs as leaders seek ‘win-win’ trade deal

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has called on US President Donald Trump to end tariffs on Japanese goods, as both sides prepare for key trade talks amid hopes of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a 45-minute phone call with US President Donald Trump on Friday, urging Washington to lift recent tariffs and shift focus toward Japanese investment in the United States. The conversation, initiated by Trump, also touched on economic security and the US president’s recent visit to the Middle East, according to both Euronews and The Japan Times.

Ishiba reiterated Japan’s long-standing position to see all recent US tariffs — particularly the 25% levy on automobile imports — removed. He said the two leaders agreed on the need for “productive discussions” and expressed hope that negotiations would lead to a “win-win relationship.”

The talks came as Japan’s chief tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, travelled to Washington for a third round of high-level discussions. According to The Japan Times, previous talks had made little headway, and a broader deal could be announced during the upcoming G7 summit in Canada.

Akazawa, speaking before his departure, emphasised that Japan would not accept any agreement that excluded the removal of all tariffs. “An agreement cannot be reached unless it is mutually satisfactory,” he said.

While the US has relaxed some trade measures, higher tariffs on steel, aluminium and cars remain in place. The two leaders are expected to meet in person at the G7 summit next month.

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