Japan to seek 'win-win' deal in 2nd round of US talks

Alsharq Tribune- Gina Essa

Japan's top tariff negotiator is meeting his US counterpart for a second round of talks this week.

After arriving in Washington, Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei said he is aiming for a deal that satisfies both sides. He said: "Japan needs the US to rethink its series of tariffs. The policies are starting to pose huge damage to the Japanese economy. So I will do my best to reach a 'win-win' agreement."

Akazawa said his talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are set for Thursday. Akazawa also hopes to convince the US side that further investment from Japan would benefit the American economy.

He later had a roughly one-hour meeting at his hotel with two senior officials of Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru expressed his hope that Akazawa will seek a mutually beneficial outcome. He said: " Regarding Japan-US tariff negotiations, we see this as not one side winning and the other side losing. Minister Akazawa will tell the US side it's important to play our respective roles globally and harmoniously."

The focus on the talks will be whether the negotiators can identify specific areas, given that US President Donald Trump is demanding an end to America's trade deficits.