Higher U.S. tariffs on Japanese car exports are less likely now that the two nations have agreed to start new trade talks, economists said, but most think U.S. trade friction with China and other economies will have a significant impact on Japan.
The U.S. threatened to slap 25 percent tariffs on auto exports from Japan, but Washington agreed not to do so while fresh trade talks are underway.
President Donald Trump has made clear he is unhappy with Japan's $69 billion trade surplus with the U.S. — nearly two-thirds from cars — and wants a two-way agreement to address it.