Japan's hopes for G7 deal with Trump vanish on car tariff impasse

Tokyo unwilling to bend on 'national interest' as 'reciprocal' duties loom

20250617N Ishiba Trump G7 Canada

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sought a breakthrough by speaking directly with U.S. President Donald Trump, but was unsuccessful. (Japan's Cabinet Public Affairs Office)

RIEKO MIKI

KANANASKIS, Canada -- Japan's hopes of reaching a tariff agreement with the U.S. on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada evaporated, as Tokyo's expectations for "special treatment" as an ally and major investor ended up hardening Washington's stance.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Donald Trump held a 30-minute meeting Monday, which was largely spent discussing tariffs. Ishiba sought a breakthrough by speaking directly to Trump but was unsuccessful.

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