The Sankei Shimbun 
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (right) meets with U.S. President Donald Trump (left) on June 16 in Kananaskis, western Canada (photo provided by the Cabinet Public Relations Office).
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In Kananaskis, on the border of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Shigeru Ishiba met with United States President Donald Trump for 30 minutes on June 16. Their meeting took place on the side of the Group of Seven (G7) summit.
Among the topics the two leaders discussed was the possibility of revising the high tariff measures imposed by the US administration.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba told the accompanying press corps that he would "continue to push forward with vigorous negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement that benefits both Japan and the United States."
However, he added that it would be "difficult" to predict when such an agreement might be reached.
When asked about the current status of the talks, Ishiba indicated that the negotiations remain challenging. "It's not something to be discussed until the negotiations are fully concluded."
Auto Trade Talks Face Impasse
A major sticking point is the 25% additional tariffs on automobiles, an industry both countries regard as vital.
Japan is pushing for these tariffs to be eliminated. However, the US side has shown little willingness to compromise, making a breakthrough at the summit unlikely.
June 16, Kananaskis, western Canada (Pool photo / Kyodo News).
Moving forward, the key question is whether the two sides managed to find any common ground. Potential areas of agreement include lowering the tariff rate and reducing the 24% reciprocal tariffs currently imposed on Japan, or extending the suspension period.
Ishiba emphasized, also emphasized the importance of the auto sector. "Automobiles represent a major national interest.," he said. "We will do everything in our power to defend that interest."
The prime minister also revealed that both sides had agreed to continue ministerial-level talks.
These discussions will involve the Minister in Charge of Economic Revitalization, Ryosei Akazawa, and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with the aim of advancing negotiations beyond the summit.
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(Read a related article in Japanese here.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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