Photo/Illutration Ryosei Akazawa, minister in charge of economic revitalization, at a news conference on June 3 (Chinami Tajika)

Japan’s chief tariff negotiator urged the United States to reconsider U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to double tariff rates on steel and aluminum products from June 4.

“This is extremely regrettable,” Ryosei Akazawa, minister in charge of economic revitalization, said about the tariff hike at a news conference on June 3. “(Japan) strongly urges a review.”

Previously, he said, “Japan will closely monitor the details.”

On May 30, Akazawa was in Washington for the fourth round of Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations.

Just hours later, Trump announced that he will raise tariffs on all foreign steel from 25 percent to 50 percent.

According to Akazawa, the subject did not surface during his meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and others.

Akazawa also mentioned that Japanese manufacturers export approximately 300,000 vehicles manufactured in the United States to countries outside the U.S., contributing to the creation of the U.S. trade surplus.  

“(Japan) is a special country that is not easily found in other countries,” Akazawa said. “I understand that the U.S. side is becoming more aware of the significant contribution that Japan makes to the U.S. economy.”

Akazawa is scheduled to visit the United States on June 5 for his fifth round of talks with Trump Cabinet members.

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