The United States will raise the “reciprocal" tariff on Japan to 25% effective Aug. 1, President Donald Trump said in a letter to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday, less than two weeks before a crucial Upper House election.
“We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with Japan, and have concluded that we must move away from these longterm, and very persistent, Trade Deficits engendered by Japan’s Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers,” Trump wrote.
The new 25% rate — which is just slightly higher than the 24% rate announced on April 2 — will be charged on almost all Japanese goods entering the United States. The rate is separate from sectoral tariffs currently in place, which include a 25% duty on vehicles and auto parts and 50% duties on steel and aluminum.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.