Japan Urges US to Implement Auto Tariff Deal by August 7

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that will increase tariffs on imports from Japan to a baseline of 15 percent starting August 7, implementing a recent bilateral trade deal. Japan is urging the United States to swiftly enact the agreement, specifically seeking the promised reduction of tariffs on automobiles and auto parts from the previously higher rates, to maintain the competitiveness of its automakers like Toyota and Honda. While the new tariff rate of 15 percent replaces the earlier U.S. levy of up to 27.5 percent on Japanese cars, Japanese officials, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, continue to call for full and prompt implementation of the deal's terms. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that if progress is unsatisfactory, Washington may reinstate the higher 25 percent tariff on cars and other goods. Japan acknowledges the need to monitor the impact of these tariff measures on exports carefully and aims to uphold its commitments under the agreement. The implementation timeline may require additional time, drawing on precedents such as the U.S.-UK auto tariff deal.