Pakistan, July 6 -- Japan's top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, held detailed phone discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday and Saturday in a bid to ease trade tensions. The talks come just days before a 24% reciprocal tariff on Japanese imports is set to expire on July 9.

The Japanese government emphasized its commitment to continue engaging with Washington, aiming to prevent a steep increase in tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at pushing the rate to 30% or even 35%, far above the current level. However, the White House has not provided additional details and referred only to Trump's public remarks.

Trump has recently criticized Japan for "unfair" auto trade and accused Tokyo of avoiding U....