Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa canceled a trip to the United States on Thursday over issues related to the U.S.-Japan trade deal.
In a statement, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that his trip would have involved the discussion of U.S. tariff measures.
“However, during the coordination with the US, because it became apparent that certain points required further technical discussion, the trip was cancelled, and it was decided that discussions will continue at the administrative level,” Hayashi told reporters.
Japanese media outlet Kyodo News said it has not been decided whether he will reschedule the trip, while Reuters said Akazawa could head to Washington as early next week after the outstanding issues are resolved, citing an anonymous government source.
Hayashi said Tokyo will urge the U.S. to amend its presidential order on reciprocal tariffs as soon as possible, and ask Washington to issue a presidential order to lower tariffs on automobiles and auto parts.
