Japan hopes to keep existing U.S. trade deal amid new tariffs

Japan asked the United States to ensure its treatment under a new temporary 15% tariff regime is as favourable as an existing trade deal, and officials from both countries said they would implement last year’s agreement in good faith.

Japan requested equal treatment under a new U.S. tariff measure and has been cautious ahead of the prime minister’s planned visit to the United States next month. Japanese trade officials said they raised the issue after Washington applied a temporary 15% duty following a U.S. court ruling. Tokyo and U.S. trade officials affirmed they would implement the trade deal struck last year "in good faith and without delay." Japanese officials have said they will closely examine the U.S. court decision. Key points: - Japan asked the United States to ensure treatment under the new temporary 15% tariff regime is as favourable as the existing trade deal. - The U.S. applied a temporary 15% duty on imports after a court decision affected prior tariff authority. - Tokyo and Washington said they would implement last year’s trade agreement in good faith and without delay. - Japanese trade officials noted some exports could face higher levies if the new tariffs are added on top of existing lower rates. Summary: The new temporary U.S. tariff could raise costs for some Japanese exports, and Tokyo has sought reassurance that the terms of last year’s trade deal will be preserved. Officials said they will review the court decision and continue discussions ahead of the prime minister’s visit next month.