Japan and U.S. Hold Talks on Tariff Policies

According to Odaily, Japan's Minister for Economic Revitalization, Akazawa Ryoichi, met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick in Washington on the 27th local time. This meeting marked the seventh round of ministerial talks between Japan and the United States concerning the high tariff policies of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. The Japanese government reported that the discussions were productive and emphasized the ongoing efforts to coordinate between the two nations to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Akazawa did not speak to the media immediately following the talks, which lasted about an hour. With the suspension period for reciprocal tariff increases ending on July 9 and Japan's Upper House election vote counting set for the 20th, Akazawa urged a significant reduction in the tariff rates on automobiles, which Japan considers a matter of national interest.