Japan is calling for urgent action to end U.S. tariffs that are hurting its businesses. Government officials say Japanese company profits are dropping “day by day” due to trade barriers that started earlier this month.
Japan’s Economic Revitalisation Minister, Ryosei Akazawa, will travel to Washington this week to push for change. He will lead talks with U.S. leaders to stop tariffs that Tokyo says are causing real financial pain.
Japanese Firms Face Heavy Losses
Speaking in parliament on Monday, Akazawa said, “As some tariffs have already taken effect, Japanese companies’ profits are being cut day by day.”
The tariffs include a 25% levy on the global auto sector, which went into force in early April. The U.S. has also planned another 24% tariff on Japanese goods, though that move is currently on hold.
Akazawa urged quick progress in the talks. “The sooner the issue is addressed, the better,” he told lawmakers.
Upcoming Meetings in Washington
Akazawa will meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during his visit. The talks are expected to take place on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
“I will do my best, bearing in mind what’s best for our national interests and what is most effective,” he said.
According to Japanese government sources, Akazawa is expected to strongly push for a rollback or review of the U.S. tariff measures. His goal is to protect Japanese companies that rely heavily on exports to the United States.
Japan’s Auto Industry Feels the Impact
Japanese companies are the largest foreign investors in the United States. In 2024, vehicles made up around 28% of Japan’s 21.3 trillion yen ($142 billion) in exports to the U.S., according to official trade data.
Auto manufacturers have already reported tighter profit margins since the new tariffs came into effect.
Japan Seeks Unity on Trade Issues
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also joined the effort to ease trade tensions. On Monday, he spoke with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to discuss the wider impact of U.S. tariffs and China’s retaliatory actions.
“The current situation is serious for Japanese companies operating in Southeast Asian countries including Singapore,” said a statement from Tokyo’s foreign ministry.
The call highlighted Japan’s efforts to build a stronger regional stance as it negotiates with Washington.
Concerns Over Global Trade Rules
In an interview with Yomiuri Shimbun, Akazawa stressed that it’s important for Japan to understand the U.S. government’s goals. He also said Japan will share its own concerns clearly.
“We have to convey our message that we have serious concerns as to consistency with the World Trade Organization agreement and the Japan-U.S. trade agreement,” he said.
Japan believes the tariffs may violate global trade rules, and it plans to raise those legal concerns during the meetings.
Energy Talks May Be on the Table
Akazawa also mentioned the possibility of discussing liquefied natural gas (LNG) development in Alaska if the U.S. brings it up.
Last month, former President Donald Trump said Japan and South Korea were interested in working with the U.S. on an LNG pipeline in Alaska.
While trade remains the main focus, energy cooperation could offer both sides a path to rebuild economic ties.
Japan Pushes for Quick Results
Japanese leaders want fast answers. With profits shrinking and export deals under pressure, Tokyo is eager to stop more damage to its businesses.
Akazawa said the talks will be based on national interest and legal fairness, and he hopes for positive results that support both countries’ economies.
