# Japanese trade minister Ryosei Akazawa spoke with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Monday.

*business · news · 2026-02-24 · Reuters*

## Key points

- Japanese minister Ryosei Akazawa formally requested maintenance of favorable tariff treatment under the new U.S. regime.
- Akazawa and U.S. Secretary Howard Lutnick reaffirmed continuation of the 2023 bilateral trade agreement.
- The 2023 deal reduced tariffs on autos and other goods to 15%.
- Japan committed to a $550 billion loans and investment package into the U.S. under the deal.
- Both countries agreed this month to accelerate talks about the initial investments in the agreement.

**Countries:** Japan, United States

[Read the full story on Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-trade-minister-requested-us-tariff-treatment-stay-agreed-government-says-2026-02-24/)

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