TOKYO — Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato says he is prepared to discuss the weak yen with U.S. Treasury Secret Scott Bessent on Thursday as part of the countries’ tariff talks, highlighting the risk of possible American demands like currency intervention and interest rate hikes.
“I have confirmed that Secret Bessent and I will have close consultations about exchange rates, and I hope to take this opportunity to discuss the matter with him,” Kato told Japanese lawmakers Tuesday. He avoided going into detail, citing concern that doing so could “invite market speculation and have unforeseen effects.”
