Negotiations have stalled ahead of next week’s deadline, with some suggesting Japan misjudged the depth of President Trump’s frustration over Tokyo’s policies.

Japans top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa held in-depth phone discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday and Saturday, as both nations seek resolution before a 24% reciprocal tariff on

Japanese carmakers have largely absorbed the cost of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on auto imports, a move that may undermine the Asian nation’s negotiating power ahead of a July 9 deadline that will see duties rocket even higher.