Bessent says he will help lead US trade negotiations with Japan

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced that President Donald Trump has asked him to help lead the U.S.'s trade negotiations with Japan as over 50 countries respond to last week's tariffs.

Trump posted on Truth Social earlier Monday that he has spoken to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba about trade negotiations that would see the U.S. soften or remove its tariffs on the Asian country. The president has accused Japan of treating the U.S. "very poorly" on trade.

Bessent said that he and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will lead the U.S.'s negotiations to "implement the President’s vision for the new Golden Age of Global Trade."

"Japan remains among America’s closest allies, and I look forward to our upcoming productive engagement regarding tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers, currency issues, and government subsidies," Bessent posted in a thread on X. "I appreciate the Japanese government’s outreach and measured approach to this process."

The announcement comes as China plays hardball on tariffs. Trump threatened on Monday to impose an additional 50% tariff on China if it does not withdraw its 34% tariff that was announced on Friday.

"If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th," the president posted on Truth Social. "Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!"

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.