While Trump may have hailed “big progress” in talks with Japan yesterday, the tone struck by Ryosei Akazawa wasn’t as optimistic. Japan’s economy minister is the one tasked to lead trade talks and the most he said was that “for our part, we want to do it (make a deal) as soon as possible”. But perhaps the more important detail is this comment:
“We will work to schedule the next consultation to be held within this month. Yes, there’s a clear step-by-step process laid out. However, where’s the sense of urgency?
They’ll be speaking again later this month and then after, there will need to be further discussions at the working and ministerial levels. That could drag on for weeks on end. But for now, it pretty much sets the tone for everyone else
No easy deals
