Brennan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images
Japanese officials will talk trade in Washington Wednesday, President Donald Trump said—but that’s not all they'll discuss.
“Japan is coming in today to negotiate Tariffs, the cost of military support, and ‘TRADE FAIRNESS,'” Trump said in a morning post on Truth Social. Trump said that the president will attend along with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The meetings are the latest developments after Trump called for a pause of 90 days on “reciprocal tariffs”. In that tariff proposal, the government had proposed a 24% tax on imports from Japan. According to comments made by the administration in the past, those tariffs could be enacted even if both governments fail to reach an agreement.
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Tariff tracker by Investopedia is a great way to keep up with Trump’s on and off again tariffs.
Japan is one of the most important trading partners for America, sending products such as cars and electronic goods to America. The U.S. exports meat, poultry and natural gas to Japan. U.S. government statistics indicate that total trade with Japan will top $300 billion in 2022.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reportedly cautioned against expecting a quick resolution to trade talks with the U.S. on Monday. Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's economic revitalization minister, has said the country's goal is "the complete elimination of the series of additional tariffs that have been imposed."
As for military assistance, tens and thousands of U.S. soldiers from a variety of services are stationed in Japan.
Another possible discussion topic on the docket could be Nippon Steel’s ambition to acquire US Steel (X), a multibillion-dollar deal former President Joe Biden blocked and of which Trump has ordered an investigation.
