Japan sets up task force for U.S. trade talks as tariff risk clouds economy

Ruling coalition floats idea of sales tax cut to ease food prices on households

20250411 Japan tariff meeting

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, second from left, attends a cross-government meeting on April 11. (Photo by Uichiro Kasai)

TOKYO (Reuters) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday set up a task force to oversee trade negotiations with the U.S., headed by his close aide and Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa, who domestic media said hopes to visit Washington next week.

While government officials have revealed little about Tokyo's negotiating strategy with Washington, lawmakers have begun pressuring the government to take steps to cushion the potential economic blow from U.S. tariffs.

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