Minister Akazawa Meets with U.S. Commerce and Trade Officials
Overview
On September 3 and 4, 2026, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa visited Washington, D.C., United States, and held meetings with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. They discussed the Strategic Investment Initiative, U.S.-produced crude oil, critical minerals, and the Japan-U.S. tariff agreement, confirming that Japan and the United States would continue close cooperation toward the steady implementation of the agreement and resilient supply chains.
Key points
- Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa held meetings with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Greer.
- They confirmed the progress of the six announced projects under the Strategic Investment Initiative.
- They confirmed the progress of the 13 critical minerals projects announced by Japan and the United States.
- They shared the understanding that last year's Japan-U.S. tariff agreement remains unchanged and that Japan will ultimately not be subject to additional tariffs exceeding last year's agreement.
Overview
On September 3 and 4, 2026, Minister Akazawa held meetings with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative in Washington, D.C., United States. The agenda covered investment, crude oil, critical minerals, and the tariff agreement.
They confirmed their policy of closely cooperating with the U.S. side toward the steady implementation of the Japan-U.S. agreement and further deepening Japan-U.S. economic relations.
Impact
They shared the recognition that arbitrary export controls on critical minerals would cause significant damage to the supply chains of Japan and the United States.
Details
During the meeting with Secretary Lutnick, Minister Akazawa expressed respect for his leadership as chair, including his role in compiling the Carolina Principles at the G20 Innovation Ministers' Meeting. They confirmed the progress of the six investment projects.
Regarding U.S.-produced crude oil, Minister Akazawa expressed gratitude for the supply and conveyed the importance of securing sufficient supply volumes and price competitiveness. Regarding critical minerals, they confirmed the progress of the 13 projects announced in March this year and agreed to continue discussions toward resilient supply chains.
During the meeting with Trade Representative Greer, they confirmed that last year's tariff agreement remains unchanged, that both countries remain committed to its implementation, and that Japan will ultimately not be subject to additional tariffs exceeding last year's agreement. They will also advance cooperation on critical minerals.