Japan objects to US trade proposal leaving tariffs on autos, steel

Washington focuses on 'reciprocal' tariffs, would keep current duties in place, sources say

Japan's lead tariff negotiator, Roysei Akazawa, left, meets with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other U.S. government officials on May 1. (Pool via Kyodo)

RYOHEI YASOSHIMA, SHUNSUKE USHIGOME and CHIHIRO UCHIYAMA

May 3, 2025 02:38 JST

WASHINGTON/TOKYO -- The U.S. presented a "framework of the agreement" for a final deal during bilateral tariff negotiations with Japan in Washington on Thursday, with the two sides at odds over American tariffs on automobiles and key automaking metals, according to sources.

The proposal focused mainly on the Trump administration's "reciprocal" tariffs, indicating that the U.S. is unwilling to reduce its tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum. The Japanese side strongly objected and again requested a comprehensive review of the series of trade measures in the ministerial-level talks.