Japan's Finance Minister Voices Concerns About U.S. Tariffs at G-7, G-20 Meetings

By Megumi Fujikawa

Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said he expressed concerns about the impact of U.S. trade policy on the economy and markets during Group of Seven and Group of 20 meetings in Washington.

"I pointed out [at the G-20 meeting] that U.S. tariffs, retaliatory actions by some countries, and uncertainties triggered by these moves are destabilizing financial markets, including foreign-exchange rates, and negatively affecting the real economy," Kato said late Wednesday.

He said he would discuss close coordination between the U.S. and Japan when he meets with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday.

Kato is in charge of currency-related discussions with the U.S. He reiterated that the market should determine foreign-exchange rates and that excessive currency moves would hurt the economy and financial stability.

Write to Megumi Fujikawa at megumi.fujikawa@wsj.com