Japan Pushes U.S. for Fair Treatment Under New Tariff Plan

(MENAFN) Japan has called on Washington to guarantee equitable treatment under a newly unveiled tariff framework, urging that Tokyo not be disadvantaged relative to terms already locked in under a bilateral trade deal struck last year, local media reported Tuesday.

Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa raised the concern directly with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a phone call Monday, media reported, citing the trade ministry. The exchange signals growing unease in Tokyo over whether hard-won concessions could be undermined by Washington's shifting trade posture.

Under a deal finalized in July, the US agreed to apply a 15% reciprocal tariff on Japanese goods — including automobiles — in return for Tokyo's commitment to channel $550 billion in investment into the US economy. Both governments reaffirmed their intention to carry out the agreement "swiftly and sincerely," according to the report.

The concern, however, stems from subsequent moves by President Donald Trump. After the US Supreme Court struck down his earlier sweeping tariff policy Friday, Trump announced a blanket 10% across-the-board tariff under a separate legal framework — then raised that figure to 15% on Monday, effectively matching the rate Japan had already negotiated under its own agreement.

Minister Akazawa cautioned that Japan risks absorbing additional tariff burdens should the higher rate be applied unilaterally on top of existing obligations. One area of relative relief: Japanese agricultural exports, including green tea and beef, are expected to remain governed by current tariff levels and are not anticipated to face further escalation under the new framework.

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