(MENAFN) Japan’s chief negotiator on tariffs announced on Tuesday that he is departing for the United States later in the day to advocate for a prompt lowering of automobile tariffs, in accordance with a recently established bilateral trade accord, according to media sources.

Ryosei Akazawa, who additionally holds the position of minister responsible for economic revitalization, informed a parliamentary committee that his visit to the United States aims to ensure there are no misunderstandings regarding the mutually agreed tariff conditions, as reported by a news agency.

The administration led by Trump recently lessened the corresponding tariff on Japanese exports to 15%, though the timeline for implementing this updated rate remains uncertain.

As part of the trade agreement, Japan has committed to enhancing its investment within the United States under a $550 billion initiative.

In return, the US has agreed to reduce its import duties on Japanese automobiles from the current 27.5% down to 15%.

Given that the automotive sector represents a vital component of Japan’s economy, extended elevated tariffs may negatively impact leading automakers such as Toyota and Honda, which significantly depend on the US market.

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