Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa cancelled a scheduled visit to the United States, in a move that could delay the finalisation of a massive $550 billion investment package Tokyo has pledged
to Washington in exchange for tariff relief.
Ryosei Akazawa was due in Washington to formalise financial details of the deal, including how profits would be split between the two countries, Reuters reported. The package was meant to ease US tariffs on Japanese imports, which had been cut from 25% to 15% under a preliminary agreement.
But friction over ownership of the investment clouded the talks. US President Donald Trump declared the package to be “our money to invest, as we like” and insisted that the United States would retain 90% of the profits. Japanese officials pushed back, stressing that the investment must deliver mutual benefits.
Tokyo Requests Amendments From Trump
Japanese government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi said the trip was cancelled after unresolved issues emerged during coordination with Washington.
“It was found that there are points that need to be discussed at the administrative level,” he said.
Yoshimasa Hayashi added that Japan is pressing the White House to amend Trump’s executive order on tariffs, specifically calling for an order reducing duties on auto parts. Tokyo has insisted that overlapping tariffs must be removed before the investment deal can be signed.
Uncertain Next Steps
While US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had signalled an announcement this week, Japanese officials remain cautious. Kyodo News reported there is no decision yet on rescheduling Ryosei Akazawa’s visit, while Reuters said he could be in Washington as early as next week.
