Japan’s chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa expressed uncertainty about ongoing trade talks with the United States, describing negotiations as being “in a fog.”
Japan hopes to convince President Trump to eliminate a 25% tariff on Japanese cars and other import tariffs currently paused until July 9.
The lack of progress raises concerns that talks may extend past Japan’s July 20 upper house elections, making agricultural concessions politically difficult for Prime Minister Ishiba.
The tariffs are already impacting Japan’s economy, with exports declining in May for the first time in eight months.