Japan tariff negotiator arrives in US as Nippon Steel deal hangs in balance

WASHINGTON — Japan’s lead tariff negotiator arrived in the U.S. on Friday for his latest round of talks with Trump administration counterparts, expressing hope for a favorable end to Nippon Steel’s bid to acquire U.S. Steel.

“I hope that Nippon Steel will invest in U.S. Steel in a way that satisfies both Japan and the U.S., and that Japan-U.S. economic relations, including economic security, will develop strongly and sustainably,” Ryosei Akazawa said when asked about the acquisition plan.