Thursday, 21st May 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 23rd July 2025, 2:32 PM
The newly agreed US-Japan trade deal makes no provision for defence spending, Japan’s tariffs envoy confirmed on Wednesday.
Ryosei Akazawa, speaking to reporters, stated explicitly, “The deal does not include anything on defence spending.”
This clarification comes amid ongoing pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has urged Japan, a key ally, to increase its military expenditure. Prior to the announcement, there had been speculation that defence spending commitments might be incorporated within the broader trade negotiations.
| Aspect | Details |
| Deal Participants | United States and Japan |
| Key Exclusion | Defence spending |
| Tokyo Representative | Ryosei Akazawa, tariffs envoy |
| US Position | President Trump advocates higher military spending by Japan |
| Context | Speculation of defence spending in trade accord dismissed |
The absence of defence spending from the trade deal signals a separation between commercial negotiations and military obligations, despite Washington’s persistent calls for Japan to shoulder a greater share of regional security costs
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