Japan's ruling coalition may have stumbled in the upper house election, but the government's top trade negotiator is undeterred. Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa says the result won't derail critical tariff talks with the U.S.
On Sunday, the Liberal Democratic Party and its Komeito partner secured just 47 seats—three short of the 50 needed for a majority in the 248-seat upper chamber. Despite this, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to stay in office, citing the high-stakes tariff negotiation with the U.S. as a key national priority.
Akazawa is set to travel to the U.S. this week for the eighth round of negotiations. While the detailed schedule is still being finalized, Ishiba has instructed him to push for a deal that protects national interests.
Japan faces an August 1 deadline to clinch a trade agreement or face 25% tariffs on its exports to its largest market. Industries from automotive to electronics are on the line, making the stakes higher than ever.
Just days ago at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Akazawa and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visited the USA Pavilion—a symbolic nod to global cooperation ahead of talks. For young entrepreneurs, policymakers, and global citizens, the outcome could reshape supply chains, pricing, and international partnerships.
As Tokyo and Washington head back to the table, the world is watching: will political shifts in Japan inject fresh energy into negotiations, or add a new layer of complexity? Stay tuned as this high-stakes trade saga unfolds.
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Japan top negotiator: Tariff talks unaffected by upper house results
cgtn.com
