Washington: US President Donald Trump voiced optimism that a solution can be reached on tariffs during his meeting with a Japanese delegation later on Wednesday.
“Japan is coming in today to negotiate Tariffs, the cost of military support, and ‘TRADE FAIRNESS’,” Trump said. “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 NHK broadcaster reported on Monday that the first round of talks between Japan and the United States on US tariffs will be held on April 17 in Washington.
Japan will be represented by Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, the broadcaster reported.
Akazawa will reportedly try to convey to the US that it is unfair to put Japan, which has been a major investor in the US for the past five years and created jobs there, on the same level with other countries when it comes to tariffs.
The Japanese government is optimistic about the start of talks, but expects them to be challenging due to Trump’s strong attachment to tariffs, government sources told NHK.
On April 2, Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on imports from other countries. The baseline rate was set at 10%. A number of countries were hit with increased rates, which were later lowered to 10% for 90 days to facilitate trade negotiations.
UNI
