U.S. Rejects Japan's Request for Comprehensive Tariff Exemptions

According to Odaily, the United States has declined Japan's proposal for a complete exemption from the 10% reciprocal tariffs and specific country tariffs during recent negotiations. Sources indicate that U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Besent, informed Japan's chief negotiator, Akizawa Ryo, during talks in Washington last week that the Trump administration plans to reduce only 14% of specific country tariffs, which are suspended until early July. In the second round of negotiations, the U.S. emphasized that it would only consider extending the suspension for 90 days or reducing the 14% tariff based on the progress of the discussions. Tokyo has been seeking the full removal of reciprocal tariffs, a 25% tariff on automobiles, and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum from the United States. Washington has stated that it will not negotiate on the global 10% base tariff or tariffs on automotive and steel products.