Middle East tensions force Japan into tariff-talk rethink
Tensions in the Middle East are forcing Japan to rethink its strategy in tariff talks with the United States. Government sources point to concerns about the Trump administration being too busy with the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Officials in Tokyo are looking at when the next round of tariff negotiations should be. They are also assessing the recent summit between Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and US President Donald Trump in Canada.
Japan's chief tariff negotiator Akazawa Ryosei admitted to feeling a great deal of uncertainty about future negotiations.
The two sides still need to narrow their differences on tariffs for automobiles and other items.
Ishiba is scheduled to visit the Netherlands next week for a summit with NATO. Sources say he is not planning to meet Trump on the sidelines.
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