Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a 25-minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday—their second discussion in less than a week—as both sides push to finalize a trade deal before the G7 summit in mid-June. Ishiba emphasized the talks deepened mutual understanding and even offered to visit Washington if needed, signaling urgency in resolving lingering tariff disputes.
The accelerated diplomacy comes as Trump pressures allies to avoid auto tariffs, while Japan seeks exemptions for its critical exports. With the G7 meeting in Canada just weeks away, both leaders aim to present a united front, though differences remain over agricultural market access and U.S. steel/aluminum duties.
Analysts suggest a limited agreement could emerge by the summit, potentially delaying broader tensions. However, failure to secure concessions may prompt Trump to follow through on threats to impose 25% car tariffs—a move that would rattle Japan’s economy and strain the alliance. Markets will watch for hints of progress ahead of June’s high-stakes negotiations.
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