Japan Says U.S. Trade Deal Still Unfinished as Ishiba Resigns

Japan’s trade deal with the U.S. is ‘not settled’ as Washington has yet to issue key presidential orders on tariffs for pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, according to Japan’s top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa. The uncertainty comes as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday, adding political instability that could complicate Tokyo’s negotiating stance. ‘While a presidential order has been issued concerning adjustments to general tariffs as well as automobile and auto parts tariffs, presidential orders for most-favoured-nation status for pharmaceuticals and semiconductors have not been issued,’ Akazawa said after talks in Washington. He added that Tokyo will continue pressing for the missing orders and begin a full analysis of the U.S. auto tariff changes and their impact on Japan’s trade competitiveness