Japan eyes US defence gear purchase ahead of another round of tariff talks

"Japan's purchase of defence equipment would contribute to the US trade surplus, so in that sense, it could be considered (in the trade talks)," Akazawa told reporters.

Akazawa will meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday in the fourth round of trade talks in Washington, as Japan faces a 24 per cent tariff rate starting in July unless it can negotiate a deal with the US.

"We plan to discuss trade expansion, non-tariff barriers and economic security cooperation," he said before heading to an airport.