Key Facts
• Minister Akazawa arrived in the U.S. for the third Japan-U.S. tariff negotiation.
• Talks are scheduled for May 24 (Japan time) with USTR’s Greer and Commerce Secretary Ratnick.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent, involved in prior talks, will be absent.
• A fourth negotiation with Bessent is being planned for May 30.
• Japan aims to propose mutual recognition of differing automobile safety standards.
• The goal is to achieve a “win-win” agreement through active engagement.
Summary
Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa has arrived in the U.S. to participate in the third round of Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations. Scheduled for May 24 (Japan time), the discussions will involve USTR Representative Greer and Commerce Secretary Ratnick, with Treasury Secretary Bessent absent. Japan plans to leverage mutual recognition of automobile safety standards as a negotiation tool to secure concessions from the U.S. Akazawa emphasized the importance of achieving a “win-win” outcome and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to prioritizing these talks. A fourth round of negotiations with Bessent is tentatively set for May 30.
