Japan is seeking talks between tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent when the U.S. official visits Japan for the World Expo next week, Yomiuri newspaper reported on Thursday citing Japanese government sources.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the announcement of slightly higher US tariffs “truly regrettable” while he vowed to continue to protect his nation’s interests in the extended trade negotiations.