US President unexpectedly attended a preliminary meeting with Japanese trade officials - one of the first countries to start tariff negotiations with the US.
On April 16, US President Donald Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social: "It was an honor to meet with the Japanese trade delegation. Great progress has been made." However, he did not provide details of the content of the conversation.
Japan is one of the first countries to officially start negotiations with the US. This will be an early test of Washington's willingness to make concessions on the import tariff issue.
Mr. Trump's appearance at the meeting also caused surprise. Previously, Tokyo did not expect the US President to directly participate in this preliminary conversation, a source told Reuters. In addition to President Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also attended the meeting.
Responding to reporters later, Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa - the head of the negotiating delegation this time - also did not reveal much information. He only confirmed that the two sides agreed to have another meeting this month, and that Mr. Trump said that the agreement with Japan "is currently the top priority".
The Japanese side also limited the scope of discussions to trade and investment issues. The two sides did not talk about the exchange rate issue. The Trump administration has often complained that Japan and other countries devalue their currencies to gain an export advantage. Tokyo has always denied this.
Previously, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said that he was in no rush to reach an agreement with the US and would not make many concessions. However, responding to reporters in Tokyo later, he appeared more cautious. "Of course, negotiations will not be easy. But President Trump has affirmed that negotiations with Japan are a priority," he said.
The US's reciprocal tax on Japan is 24%. Although the tax has been postponed for 90 days, countries will still be subject to the basic 10% tax. In addition, like other countries, Japanese cars are subject to a 25% tax when sold to the US. This is one of the main products of an export-dependent economy like Japan.
Mr. Bessent said more than 75 countries have requested negotiations since Mr. Trump announced the reciprocal tariffs earlier this month. These countries will have "first-mover advantage". Bessent hopes to reach an agreement with Japan on import tariffs, non-tariff barriers and exchange rates.
On April 17, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit the White House to discuss US import tariffs with the European Union (EU). Meanwhile, Mr. Bessent has also invited the South Korean finance minister to Washington next week.