US, Japan Launch Formal Tariff Negotiations Amid Ongoing Tensions

The United States has begun formal tariff negotiations with both Japan and Taiwan, aiming to resolve trade tensions and avoid the imposition of steep tariffs. Japan's negotiators met with U.S. officials, including President Trump, to seek relief from tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars, but no immediate halt was reached; further talks are planned before the end of the current reprieve period. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te reported that the first phase of tariff talks with the U.S. proceeded smoothly, following the postponement of a planned 32% tariff on Taiwanese goods. President Lai expressed optimism, highlighting hopes for deeper bilateral trade cooperation under a 'Taiwan plus one' model and reaffirming Taiwan's commitment to diversify its trade partnerships. The talks are particularly significant as Taiwan is a major semiconductor producer, and both sides are seeking to strengthen economic ties amid broader geopolitical shifts. Neither set of negotiations has yet produced a final agreement, but both Japan and Taiwan are positioning themselves for stronger economic relationships with the United States.