Japan, U.S. Prepare for Washington Tariff Talks

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump have held a second phone call in a week to discuss ongoing tariff issues, as they prepare for a potential in-person meeting at the June G7 summit in Canada. The talks have led to a deepened mutual understanding ahead of the fourth round of tariff negotiations, which is scheduled to take place in Washington. Ishiba reaffirmed Japan's commitment to rules-based, free, and multilateral trade, warning that high tariffs are detrimental to economic prosperity. As part of its negotiating strategy, Japan is considering additional purchases of U.S. farm products and defense equipment but insists that recent U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods should be lifted. Ishiba also emphasized the importance of expanding the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to promote regional economic integration. Both leaders see their ongoing discussions as paving the way for potential progress in bilateral trade relations.