Japan tariff negotiator held in-depth talks with Lutnick, Japanese government says

(From right) Japan's Economic Revitalisation Minister Ryosei Akazawa poses with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on May 1. - Photo: AFP

TOKYO/BRIDGEWATER, New Jersey, (Japan/US): Japan's tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa held "in-depth exchanges" over the phone with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday (July 3) and Saturday (July 5), the Japanese government said.

A pause on a 24% reciprocal tariff on imports from Japan expires on July 9, although US President Donald Trump has suggested the rate could be even higher.