U.S.-Japan trade deal status uncertain; waiting for pharmaceutical and semiconductor tariff decisions from America

Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's minister for economic policy, has stated that the U.S.-Japan trade agreement is not yet settled. Akazawa made these remarks after returning from talks in Washington, where the focus of the discussions was on tariffs for pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.

During the talks, Akazawa announced that Japan would initiate a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of the U.S. auto tariff changes. However, no presidential orders have been issued on tariffs for semiconductors in the U.S.-Japan trade agreement, and Akazawa did not mention any specific presidential orders regarding tariffs for pharmaceuticals or semiconductors.

The discussions also included the U.S. President's expected executive orders for the Most-Favored-Nation status for pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. The US President who has not yet issued these orders is Donald Trump. Akazawa mentioned that Tokyo would continue to press for the remaining presidential orders.

Akazawa's statements did not indicate any significant progress in the U.S.-Japan trade agreement negotiations. It was not mentioned if Akazawa, Tokyo's top tariff negotiator, discussed any new issues during the talks in Washington. No information was provided about any further discussions or negotiations regarding the U.S.-Japan trade agreement.

The talks in Washington were not the first discussions about the U.S.-Japan trade agreement. Previously, the focus of the discussions was on tariffs for pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. The analysis will compare Japan's competitive trade conditions with those of other countries.

It is worth noting that a presidential order has been issued concerning adjustments to general tariffs, but not for pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. The U.S. President's orders on automobile and auto parts tariffs have been issued.

In conclusion, the U.S.-Japan trade agreement is still under negotiation, and no significant progress has been made on tariffs for semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Akazawa's statements emphasised the importance of economic analysis and comparison of competitive trade conditions. Tokyo will continue to press for the remaining presidential orders, and further discussions and negotiations regarding the U.S.-Japan trade agreement remain to be seen.