The Trump administration is poised to implement a new wave of tariffs, potentially reaching 50% for certain nations, effective August 1st. This move underscores President Trump's strategy of using tariffs as leverage to secure international concessions and reshape global trade relations.

On his own terms, it could now be said that the aggressive approach by the US President is yielding tangible results.

Japan's top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, the Asahi newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Japan's embattled prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, fresh off a crushing defeat in upper house elections over the weekend, will not be in a position of strength to negotiate a favorable trade deal with the U.S., analysts said.