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President Donald Trump spoke of “big progress” with Japan after meeting with a delegation from the country in the White House on Wednesday.
The president shared the update to his Truth Social profile following the visit to address recent tariff changes.
“A Great Honor to have just met with the Japanese Delegation on Trade. Big Progress!” he wrote.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were also involved in the key meeting with the Japanese delegation.
The meeting follows a rapid chain of events since April 2, when Trump announced his “Liberation Day” tariffs. His remarks called for reciprocal tariffs on other nations, sparking strong controversy among international leaders.
China responded with its own tariffs, while many other nations reached out to the White House to negotiate new deals. A week later, on April 9, Trump announced a 90-day pause for most nations.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable,” Trump’s post began.
“Conversely, and based on the fact that more than 75 Countries have called Representatives of the United States, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR, to negotiate a solution to the subjects being discussed relative to Trade, Trade Barriers, Tariffs, Currency Manipulation, and Non Monetary Tariffs, and that these Countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form against the United States, I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.
The pause provided Japan with a temporary reprieve from the proposed 24 percent across-the-board tariffs. However, a 10 percent base tariff remains in effect, along with a 25 percent duty on imported vehicles, auto parts, steel and aluminum.
Given Japan’s relatively low average tariff rate of 1.9 percent on foreign goods and its close alliance with the United States, Wednesday’s negotiations are seen as a key test of whether the Trump administration can secure a substantial agreement that will instill confidence in global markets, American voters, and international partners.
