When Tokyo's top trade negotiator met U.S. President Donald Trump for tariff talks at the White House earlier this month, he presented him with a gold-coloured piggy bank.

U.S President Donald Trump meets with Japan's Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa and his delegation in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 16, 2025. Molly Riley/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

The White House is now negotiating trade deals with dozens of countries after President Donald Trump paused the worst of his sweeping tariffs for 90 days, with negotiators from Japan visiting the White House on Wednesday, as foreign countries suggest the pause will give them breathing room as they seek to reach deals with the Trump administration.