Japan vows to seek US auto tariff concessions in trade talks

Japan's trade deal with the US must include tariff concessions for its vital automobile industry, top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said yesterday, after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods from Japan starting Aug 1.

- LEIKA KIHARA

Mr Akazawa said he held a 40-minute phone talk with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, where the two sides agreed to “actively” continue negotiations.

“We are trying to agree on a package of measures” ranging from expanded trade, non-tariff barriers and cooperation on key economic security issues, Mr Akazawa said at a news conference.

“The two countries must garner trust through sincere dialogue, and reach common ground step by step. Through such a process, my job as negotiator is to agree on a full package as soon as possible.”

Trump on Monday began notifying trade partners of steep US tariff hikes, but later indicated a willingness to delay implementation if countries made acceptable proposals. He also signed an executive order to put off the tariffs until Aug 1.