Trump touts progress in Japan tariff talks

Jumps in on early trade negotiations

- NATHAN LAYNE JOHN GEDDIE

President Donald Trump touted big progress in tariff talks with Japan on Wednesday, in one of the first rounds of face-to-face negotiations since his barrage of duties on global imports roiled markets and stoked recession fears.

Japan had not expected the president to get involved in Wednesday’s talks, viewing them as a preliminary, fact-finding mission, a sign that Trump wants to keep tight control over negotiations with countries that are expected to continue over months and weeks.

Tokyo had also been hoping to limit the scope of the talks to trade and investment matters. But announcing his involvement early Wednesday, Trump said thorny issues including the amount Japan pays towards hosting US troops were among discussion topics.

“A Great Honor to have just met with the Japanese Delegation on Trade. Big progress!” Trump said in a social media message that contained no details of the discussions.

Opposite Trump was Ryosei Akazawa, a close confidant of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba who reviews in the relative junior cabinet position of economic revitalisation minister.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Mr Akazawa gave few details but said the parties had agreed to hold a second meeting later this month and that Trump had said getting a deal with Japan was a “top priority.”