Overview
- Industry minister Ryosei Akazawa asked Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to ensure Japanese imports are not subject to a 15% tariff or less favorable terms than last year's deal.
- Both governments reaffirmed the 2025 agreement that set a 15% baseline rate on most Japanese goods, replacing previously higher duties on items such as autos.
- Akazawa did not disclose Washington's response, and a U.S. Commerce Department post about the meeting mentioned economic ties but not tariff treatment.
- Talks also covered projects under Japan's $550 billion U.S. investment pledge, with a first tranche of $36 billion already announced in offshore drilling, natural gas and synthetic diamonds.
- Kyodo reported the new 10% levy took effect Feb. 24 and could rise to 15% for 150 days as country-specific duties are considered, with a potential Westinghouse-linked nuclear project under discussion for a future deal round ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's March 19 White House visit with President Donald Trump.