US-Japan Trade Tensions Escalate as Trump Proposes Higher Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

Trade negotiations between the US and Japan have reached a critical juncture as President TRUMP proposes an additional 25% tariff on Japanese steel and aluminum imports. This move compounds existing tariffs of 25% on automobiles and 10% baseline duties, which Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba has labeled a "national crisis."

Japanese negotiators led by Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa have been shuttling to Washington in a bid to avert the tariffs set to take effect next month. While US officials have shown receptiveness to Japanese proposals, Trump’s Friday remarks threatening to raise tariffs to 50% have cast doubt on the progress.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reports Akazawa will return to Washington this week, after which Japan will decide on Prime Minister Ishiba’s potential visit. Both sides have agreed to accelerate talks, with another round of negotiations scheduled for June 15-17 in Canada.