Japan’s chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, said the recently announced trade agreement between the United States and Japan is not a legally binding commitment, casting doubt on the scope and enforceability of the deal.

In remarks that could cool optimism around the agreement, Akazawa urged caution, stating that not all comments from U.S. officials about the talks should be taken at face value. The comments suggest lingering uncertainty over the specifics of the deal and underline the potential gap between political announcements and formal trade commitments.

The clarification comes as both countries seek to stabilise economic ties amid broader shifts in global trade dynamics. However, Akazawa’s comments hint at ongoing negotiation hurdles and highlight Japan’s intent to manage expectations as the talks progress.