ANKARA

Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa will leave for Washington later this week to hold talks with the US on tariff measures, local media reported Wednesday.

Akazawa, who serves as minister in charge of economic revitalization, is expected to meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday, according to NHK.

Last week, the two countries held a third round of talks when Akazawa met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington.

However, Japanese Prime Minister Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba wants to accelerate preparations so the two sides can move one step closer to a result that benefits both countries.

According to media reports, Washington wants proposals from Tokyo that could help reduce the US trade deficit with Japan.

Last week, US President Donald Trump also spoke with Ishiba, and they agreed to achieve "win-win" relations through negotiations.

Japan has urged the US to reconsider its tariff policy, which includes a 25% import duty on cars.

While a 24% reciprocal tariff has been put on hold, the US is still imposing a 10% baseline tariff along with levies targeting steel and aluminum.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid