
Japan Min. Akazawa to Visit U.S. from Wed. for Tariff Talks
The USTR's 2025 report on foreign trade barriers took issue extensively with agricultural trade barriers such as Japan's rice import system and variable levies on low-priced pork, as well as automotive safety standards. Japanese trade minister Yoji Muto told a press conference Tuesday that the government will coordinate with the US side regarding 'safety standards and electric vehicle infrastructure.' Tokyo wants to carefully assess Washington's demands and mull its potential bargaining chips for seeking an exemption from US tariffs. It is still unclear what the US side is seeking. A Japanese government source said, 'I don't know what will actually be demanded in