Trump, Bessent, Lutnick Meet Japan Over Tariff Dispute/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced he will personally join high-level trade negotiations with Japan at the White House, alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The talks come as Japan seeks relief from U.S. tariffs and increasing pressure over military cost-sharing. Unclear goals on both sides raise questions about the outcome.
Trump Joins Japan Trade Talks Quick Looks
- Trump to participate in White House trade negotiations with Japan
- Treasury’s Bessent and Commerce’s Lutnick also involved in the talks
- Japan pushing for tariff relief amid economic uncertainty
- 90-day global tariff pause excludes tariffs on China
- Japan faces 25% tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum
- Japan to discuss military cost-sharing amid rising defense budget
- Goals of both countries remain unclear ahead of negotiations
- Japan’s envoy seeks win-win deal without concessions
Trump, Bessent, Lutnick Meet Japan Over Tariff Dispute
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will personally join trade and tariff negotiations with Japanese officials at the White House. His participation, alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, underscores the significance of the talks as tensions rise over U.S. tariffs and questions surrounding Japan’s military cost-sharing contributions.
In a message posted to his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:
“Japan is coming in today to negotiate Tariffs, the cost of military support, and ‘TRADE FAIRNESS.’ I will attend the meeting, along with Treasury & Commerce Secretaries. Hopefully something can be worked out which is good (GREAT!) for Japan and the USA!”
The Japanese delegation is led by Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, who landed in Washington with the goal of reversing recent tariff measures. These include a 10% baseline tariff on most Japanese imports and a 25% levy on automobiles, auto parts, steel, and aluminum, all of which remain in effect despite a broader 90-day global pause on Trump’s latest tariff wave — an exception that notably does not apply to China or Japan’s automotive exports.
Japan’s Response and Concerns
Japan has responded cautiously but proactively. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba established a task force to assess the potential economic impact of Trump’s tariff policies, which have sparked concern among Japanese manufacturers. While the Japanese government has not openly discussed possible concessions, it has emphasized the need to protect national interests and has so far avoided retaliatory measures.
At Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Akazawa addressed reporters before departing for Washington:
“I will negotiate in order to firmly protect our national interest. I believe we can have good talks toward a win-win relationship that will serve national interest for both Japan and the United States.”
He also expressed optimism in working with Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who he described as “pro-Japan and professionally talented.”
Akazawa is scheduled to hold discussions through Friday, making Japan one of the first countries to formally enter negotiations under the 90-day window.
Unclear Demands on Both Sides
Despite the high-profile nature of the meeting, neither country has clearly articulated what it wants to achieve. The U.S. administration’s trade goals remain vague, with Trump repeatedly emphasizing the need to eliminate bilateral trade deficits but offering few specifics.
Japan, for its part, has made general arguments that the tariffs are damaging and possibly violate WTO rules or existing bilateral agreements. While Tokyo has avoided retaliatory tariffs so far, officials remain wary of Trump’s aggressive negotiating style.
Prime Minister Ishiba has said he’s in no rush to strike a deal, preferring to hold off if it means avoiding unnecessary concessions. At the same time, pressure is mounting on Japanese officials from both domestic industries and foreign investors.
Military Cost-Sharing at the Forefront
Alongside trade, military cost-sharing will be a central topic. Trump has long criticized America’s defense spending abroad, particularly in countries like Japan where U.S. troops are stationed. He has hinted at wanting Japan to significantly increase its contribution to hosting American forces, which are seen as a regional deterrent against China and North Korea.
Currently, Japan’s annual defense spending is about 1.8% of its GDP, a figure the government plans to raise to 2% by 2027 as part of its national security strategy. But Trump may push for an increase to 3% of GDP, which has triggered concern in Tokyo.
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani responded Tuesday, confirming Japan’s current commitments while declining to comment on any demands from the Trump administration. Still, the issue is expected to be a key point of contention during the talks.
Tariff Politics and Global Reaction
Trump’s decision to temporarily suspend his proposed global tariffs followed market instability and fears of recession, yet major export-heavy economies remain on edge. Japan is just the first of many countries seeking to navigate the unpredictable path of Trump’s tariff diplomacy.
White House officials say other governments are eager to secure deals before the 90-day pause expires. “The phones have been ringing off the hook,” said one official familiar with the outreach.
But the lack of transparency around Trump’s trade strategy leaves many wondering whether the negotiations with Japan will result in long-term solutions or short-term optics.
For now, Japan is playing the long game — hoping that by engaging directly and diplomatically, it can safeguard its industries, maintain its alliance with the U.S., and avoid an escalation of economic conflict.
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