Japan to set tone for others as first to discuss tariffs with U.S.

Tokyo will split trade, currency representatives to make finding common ground easier for both

20250411N bessent akazawa

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Japanese trade representative Ryosei Akazawa are expected to begin talks on April 17. (Source photos by Reuters and Nikkei)

YOHEI HIROSE, SHUNSUKE USHIGOME and RIEKO MIKI

TOKYO -- Japan has appointed separate ministers to lead negotiations with the U.S. over tariffs and exchange rates, as the rest of the world watches for what breakthroughs are reached before the 90-day grace period ends and Japanese goods are slammed with a 24% duty.

More than 75 countries and regions have reached out to negotiate with the U.S.

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