Skip to main content
Updated May 26, 2019 - Economy

U.S.-Japan trade talks: Trump signals deal after Japanese elections

headshot
President Trump (L) is welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he arrives to play golf at Mobara Country Club on May 26, 2019 in Chiba, Japan.

President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Photo by Kimimasa Mayama — Pool/Getty Images

President Trump tweeted after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo Sunday that the U.S. and Japan are making "great progress" in trade negotiations. But he played down expectations of striking a deal during his visit to the Asian country.

"Great progress being made in our Trade Negotiations with Japan. Agriculture and beef heavily in play. Much will wait until after their July elections where I anticipate big numbers!"
— President Trump

The big picture: There were rallies for and against Trump on the first day of his 4-day visit to Japan, during which the president, first lady Melania Trump, Abe and his wife, Akie Abe, joined about 11,500 people at a sumo wrestling championship in Tokyo.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are accompanied by Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe (centre row) during the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on May 26, 2019.
A sumo battle during the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on Sunday. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
US President Donald Trump presents the President's Cup to sumo wrestler Asanoyama during the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium in Tokyo on May 26, 2019.
Trump with sumo wrestler Asanoyama in Tokyo. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
US First Lady Melania Trump meets children while visiting the Mori Building Digital Art Museum, flanked by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes wife, Akie Abe (R) in Tokyo on May 26, 2019.
First lady Melania Trump at the Mori Building Digital Art Museum, with Abe's wife, Akie Abe, in Tokyo. Photo: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
Akie Abe (L) and U.S. first Lady Melania Trump (R) visit the MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM on May 26, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.
Akie Abe and Melania Trump at the Mori Building Digital Art Museum. Photo: Pierre Emmanuel Deletree — Pool/Getty Images
Demonstrators protest Japan's monarchy and Trump in Tokyo.
Demonstrators protest Japan's monarchy and Trump in Tokyo. Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images
Supporters near Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium before the arrival of the Trumps for the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.
Supporters near Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium, where the sumo contest is held. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Go deeper: Reality check: Trump claims he can strike a trade deal with Japan by May

Go deeper