By Satoshi Sugiyama and Leika Kihara TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is planning to soon decide whether to step down after assessing progress in tariff negotiations with the United States,

TOKYO (AP) — Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday vowed to remain in power to oversee the implementation of a new Japan-U.S. tariff agreement, despite media speculation and growing calls for him to resign after a historic defeat of his governing party.

President Donald Trump announced new trade deals with Japan and the Philippines this week, bringing the total number of deals to five. However, several major trading partners still haven’t reached trade agreements with the U.S. ahead of the Aug. 1 deadlines.

Seoul will take a close look at the terms of a U.S.-Japan trade deal, South Korea's industry minister said on Wednesday, holding out the prospect of greater cooperation in the energy and industrial sectors ahead of key trade talks in Washington.

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The LDP’s loss in the upper house is another blow to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has been struggling to close a trade deal with the Trump administration.

GBP/USD is having a tough time reclaiming 1.3500 on Tuesday as markets adopt a cautious stance. In the absence of high-tier data releases, investors refrain from taking large positions, while keeping an eye on Trump-Powell drama and US tariff talks.

TOKYO, July 17 (Reuters) - Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa held talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on U.S. tariffs on Thursday, as Tokyo races to avert a 25% levy that will be imposed unless a deal is clinched by an August 1 deadline.