Japan and the U.S. are struggling with very difficult tariff negotiations under President Trump. A senior Japanese official said it feels like they are trying to build a road where none exists—there’s no clear path to an agreement.
In April, Trump announced plans to impose high tariffs on many countries, including a 24% tariff on Japanese products like cars, steel, and aluminum. Getting these tariffs removed has become the top priority for Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba’s government.
Unlike past trade talks under former Prime Minister Abe, which were more routine and focused, these talks are much harder. Even key items like car tariffs are still unclear, with the U.S. initially saying they might not even be negotiable.
The biggest problem is that Trump holds almost all the decision-making power. Despite Japan’s top negotiator visiting the U.S. seven times and meeting with senior officials, they still don’t fully understand Trump’s intentions, and no agreement seems close.
In short: Japan faces a tough, uncertain road ahead in U.S. tariff talks, complicated by Trump’s strong personal control and unclear negotiation goals.
by MagazineKey4532