Ishiba laments lack of understanding with Trump

Japanese premier Shigeru Ishiba's bid to get US President Donald Trump to relax tariffs imperiling his country's economy and his political future fell flat this week, underlining the gulf between the allies as more levies are set to kick in.

- Tim Kelly, Reuters

Ishiba travelled to the G7 summit in Canada hoping a direct appeal might get talks back on track after Japanese negotiators struggled to secure respite on a 258 tariff imposed on imported cars, according to two officials with knowledge of the matter. While the sun beamed down as Ishiba and Trump reclined in lounge chairs in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Monday's brief encounter did little to alter the grim forecast for Japanese industry girding for broader 248 levies due on July 9.

The lack of progress could knock confidence in Ishiba's diplomacy just as he prepares to contest a dicey upper house election next month that some political analysts say could result in his ouster.