Japan PM Ishiba aims to advance US tariff talks; eyes outcome at G7 summit

25/5/2025 17:31

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday said Tokyo aims to advance tariff talks with the United States, with the goal of achieving an outcome during the Group of Seven summit next month.



Japan's top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa held a third round of Japan-U.S. talks in Washington on Friday.



Speaking to reporters in Kyoto, Ishiba said there has been progress in negotiations, pointing to discussions on trade expansion, non-tariff measures and economic security.



"We will continue to further refine our discussions with the G7 summit in mind," he said.



Ishiba on Friday held a 45 minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss security, diplomacy and tariffs and said they exchanged hope for an in-person meeting at the G7 summit.



On Sunday, Ishiba expressed Japan's willingness to cooperate in shipbuilding. He said the U.S. has shown interest in the possibility of repairing U.S. warships in Japan and that Japan would like to assist.