Economic revitalisation minister Ryosei Akazawa will visit Washington for the negotiations this week, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told lawmakers today.

The government has so far failed in attempts to secure exemptions from the US tariffs, including 25% on the global auto sector that took effect in early April.

US President Donald Trump is also planning a separate levy of 24% on Japanese goods, which has been paused.

“As some tariffs have already taken effect, Japanese companies’ profits are being cut day by day,” Akazawa said in parliament.

“The sooner (the issue is addressed), the better,” he said.

In Washington Akazawa will reportedly issue a strong call for a review of Trump’s tariffs.

“I will do my best, bearing in mind what’s best for our national interests and what is most effective,” he said.

Japanese media, citing government sources, said Akazawa’s talks with treasury secretary Scott Bessent and trade representative Jamieson Greer were set for Wednesday.

Japanese firms are the biggest investors into the US, and last year vehicles accounted for around 28% of Japan’s ¥21.3 trillion (US$142 billion) of US-bound exports.

Akazawa also stressed in an interview with the Yomiuri Shimbun daily published today that it was important to gain an understanding of what the US side really wants.

“We have to convey our message that we have serious concerns as to consistency with the World Trade Organization agreement and Japan-US trade agreement,” he said, echoing previous comments by Japan’s trade minister.

Akazawa also said he was ready to talk about developing liquified natural gas (LNG) fields in Alaska if the US side raises the issue, according to the Yomiuri.

Trump said last month that Japan and South Korea are among countries looking to work with the US on an LNG pipeline in Alaska.