Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of the United States-Japan Agreement

On September 16, 2025, the International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (90 FR 44638) Implementing Certain Tariff-RelatedElements of the United States-Japan.

Under the Agreement, the United States will apply a baseline 15 percent ad valorem tariff on nearly all Japanese imports entering the United States, alongside separate sector-specific treatment for automobiles and automobile parts; aerospace products; generic pharmaceuticals; and natural resources that are not naturally available or produced in the United States.

Implementing the United States–Japan Agreement

On September 9, 2025, the Executive Office of the President published in the Federal Register (90 FR 43535) Executive Order 14345 of September 4, 2025, Implementing the United States–Japan Agreement

UK and Japan agree historic free trade agreement

The UK has secured a free trade agreement with Japan, which is the UK’s first major trade deal as an independent trading nation and will increase trade with Japan by an estimated £15.2 billion.

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was agreed in principle by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu on a video call this morning (Friday 11 September).

The deal is tailored to the UK economy and secures additional benefits beyond the EU-Japan trade deal, giving UK companies exporting to Japan a competitive advantage in a number of areas. It will help to create jobs and drive economic growth throughout the whole of the UK.

The deal is also an important step towards joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This will give UK businesses a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region and help to increase the resilience and diversity of our supply chains.

UK businesses will benefit from tariff-free trade on 99% of exports to Japan. Government analysis shows that a deal with Japan will deliver a £1.5 billion boost to the UK economy and increase UK workers’ wages by £800 million in the long run.

UK manufacturers, food and drink producers and the tech sector are all set to benefit from the measures in the UK-Japan deal, which include:

• Cutting-edge digital & data provisions that go far beyond the EU-Japan deal. These will enable free flow of data whilst maintaining high standards of protection for personal data. We have also committed to uphold the principles of net neutrality, as well as introducing a ban on data localisation, which will prevent British businesses from having the extra cost of setting up servers in Japan. This will help UK fintech firms operating in Japan - like Revolut and Transferwise - to innovate and grow.

• Improved market access for UK financial services – including greater transparency and streamlined application processes for UK firms seeking licences to operate in Japan. The deal creates an annual dialogue between Her Majesty’s Treasury, UK financial regulators, and the Japanese FSA that will explore ways to further reduce regulatory friction - something that would be impossible were the UK still in the EU. Financial services are our biggest export to Japan, accounting for 28% of all UK exports.

• Tariff free access for more UK goods – new and more liberal Rules of Origin will allow producers of coats, knitwear and biscuits to source inputs from around the world for their exports to Japan – making it easier and cheaper for them to sell to the Japanese market.

• New protection for more iconic UK goods – increasing geographical indications (GIs) from just seven under the terms of the EU-Japan deal to potentially over 70 under our new agreement, covering goods including English sparkling wine, Yorkshire Wensleydale and Welsh lamb. This would lead to improved recognition of key UK brands in the Japanese market.

• New protections for UK creative industries – British businesses can now be confident that their brands and innovations will be protected. We have gone beyond the EU on provisions that tackle online infringement of IP rights, such as film and music piracy.

• Improved mobility for business people – securing more flexibility for Japanese and British companies to move talent into each country, covering a range of UK skilled workers to enter Japan, from computer services to construction. This includes commitments that go beyond the EU-Japan deal, for investors, spouses and dependents, and a wider range of intra-company transfers. Requirements for visas will be clear, transparent, and with an aim that they be processed in 90 days. A worker transferring from their UK HQ to the Tokyo office will be able to bring their spouse and dependents and stay for up to five years.

• Supporting UK car and rail manufacturing – supporting major investors in the UK like Nissan and Hitachi through reduced tariffs on parts coming from Japan, streamlined regulatory procedures and greater legal certainty for their operations.

• More generous market access for malt producers – Japan has guaranteed market access for UK malt exports under an existing quota which is more generous and easier to access than the EU quota. The UK is the second biggest exporter of malt to Japan, with UK producers exporting £37m there each year.

• Strong tariff reductions for UK pork and beef exports – We have negotiated a deal that sees tariffs fall on pork, beef, salmon and a range of other agricultural exports. We will continue to benefit from access to the low tariffs for key food and drink products covered by quotas, such as Stilton cheese, tea extracts and bread mixes. This forms a pathway to further market access under CPTPP, which has been committed to by Japan as part of our agreement.

The UK and Japan have a long-shared history as free trading nations and this deal marks an historic moment that will deepen the partnership between two democratic island nations.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said:

This is a historic moment for the UK and Japan as our first major post-Brexit trade deal. The agreement we have negotiated – in record time and in challenging circumstances – goes far beyond the existing EU deal, as it secures new wins for British businesses in our great manufacturing, food and drink, and tech industries.

From our automotive workers in Wales to our shoemakers in the North of England, this deal will help build back better as we create new opportunities for people throughout the whole of the UK and help level up our country.

Strategically, the deal is an important step towards joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership and placing Britain at the centre of a network of modern free trade agreements with like-minded friends and allies.

Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, Mike Cherry said:

As we look to the UK’s global trading future, trade deals we sign should be about businesses of all sizes, which is why we are delighted to see a UK-Japan trade deal today that includes a comprehensive chapter for SMEs. FSB has long campaigned for these chapters to be included in trade deals, to give UK small businesses the support and tools they need to reach new markets.

The UK-Japan trade deal therefore marks a major moment. It provides access to a major global market for the UK’s small business exporters, with one in ten viewing Japan as a crucial market to tap into. With over 130,000 small businesses already exporting to Japan, this should provide small businesses looking to grow, maintain or start exporting to Japan with the certainty they need for the future.

Director General of the Confederation of British Industry, Carolyn Fairbairn said:

The signing of the UK-Japan trade deal is a breakthrough moment. It will be welcomed by businesses across the country. The Government and business now need to work together to make the most from the deal. It’s a huge opportunity to secure new Japanese investment across a wider range of sectors and UK regions.

Business will help support the Government in its efforts to secure more trade deals around the world and promote their benefits to communities. The Japan deal can be the first of many.

CEO of TechUK, Julian David said:

TechUK welcomes the conclusion of the UK-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement with its comprehensive digital trade chapter. Today’s agreement improves an already flourishing relationship between the UK and Japan tech sectors and creates significant opportunities for trade and investment for both our countries.

Since 2018, in partnership with JEITA, we have run a successful UK-Japan Tech Forum to enable our members to develop a closer relationship with Japan and we look forward to working with the Government and our partners in Japan to assist the tech sector in taking full opportunity of this agreement.

Jim Walker, Managing Director of Walkers Shortbread said:

We welcome the news that a UK-Japan agreement has been agreed today. Japan remains one of Walkers’ most important markets and sales have grown steadily there since first launching in Japan over 40 years ago.

This deal will help provide certainty and create more opportunities to continue building sales in the future in a market where our products already enjoy success.

Dominic Goudie, Head of International Trade, Food and Drink Federation said:

UK food and drink manufacturers are delighted to hear the UK has concluded a comprehensive new trade deal with Japan. As the world’s largest net importer of food and drink, this deal with Japan improves our existing terms of trade and offers significant new growth opportunities for quality UK manufacturing. We particularly welcome the additional flexibility this deal delivers in terms of rules of origin which are so crucial for our industry.

The agreement recognises the unique challenge posed by seasonality and provides confidence for UK exporters across a wide range of product categories. This deal can make a vital contribution towards the UK’s economic recovery and our industry is ready to deliver for every community across the UK.

Presidential Message to Congress Regarding the Notification of Initiation of United States–Japan Trade Agreement

On September 16, 2019, President Donald Trump notified Congress that he intends to enter into a trade agreement regarding tariff barriers with Japan under section 103(a)(2) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-26, Title I).

On October 16, 2018, the President notified the Congress that he intended to initiate trade negotiations with Japan on a United States-Japan Trade Agreement. The Administration now proposes pursuing negotiations with Japan in stages and has reached an initial trade agreement regarding tariff barriers with Japan and intenda to enter into the agreement in the coming weeks.

Joint Statement of the Trilateral Meeting of the Trade Ministers of the European Union, Japan and the United States

Mrs. Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade, Mr. Hiroshige Seko, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative, met in Washington, D.C. on 9 January 2019 and issued the following statement --

The Ministers advanced discussions on their shared objective to address non market-oriented policies and practices of third countries that lead to severe overcapacity, create unfair competitive conditions for their workers and businesses, hinder the development and use of innovative technologies, and undermine the proper functioning of international trade, including where existing rules are not effective.

They reiterated their concerns, reviewed ongoing work, and agreed to deepen their cooperation in all areas covered by the Ministerial Statements issued in New York and Paris, including nonmarket policies and practices, market-oriented conditions, industrial subsidies and state-owned enterprises, forced technology transfer policies and practices, WTO reform and digital trade and e-commerce.

today's meeting, the Ministers discussed in particular:

concerns with non-market oriented policies and practices, Ministers took stock of the intensification of the exchange of information between them, the identification of additional criteria indicating market-oriented conditions, and confirmed that market-oriented conditions are fundamental to a fair, mutually advantageous global trading system and that their citizens and businesses operate under market-oriented conditions. The Ministers also confirmed their commitment to continue working together to maintain the effectiveness of existing WTO disciplines, including through ongoing WTO disputes.

industrial subsidies, Ministers instructed their staff to finalize trilateral text-based work in this area by spring in order to engage other key WTO Members after that, as appropriate.

the area of forced technology transfers, Ministers confirmed their agreement to cooperate on enforcement, on the development of new rules, on investment review for national security purposes and on export controls and further take stock of this cooperation by spring.

the reform of the WTO, the three partners submitted a joint transparency and notification proposal to the Council for Trade in Goods last November with other co-sponsors, and the Ministers agreed to intensify engagement with other trading partners to advance this proposal. They confirmed their agreement to work towards strengthening the regular committees' activities. They also reiterated their call on advanced WTO Members claiming developing country status to undertake full commitments in ongoing and future WTO negotiations.

The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of cooperating in facilitating digital trade and the growth of the digital economy and to enhance business environments through the promotion of data security. The Ministers confirmed their support for the timely initiation of WTO negotiations on trade-related aspects of electronic commerce that seek to achieve a high standard agreement with the participation of as many WTO members as possible.

Ministers look forward to further cooperation for the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Trade and the Digital Economy under the Japanese G20 Presidency.

USITC Launches Investigation of Potential U.S.-Japan FTA

On November 7, 2018, the U.S. International Trade Commission released (News Release 18-136; Inv. No. TA-131-043 and TPA-105-004) Probably Economic Effect of Providing Duty Free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports from Japn.

As requested, the USITC will advise the President as to the probable economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for imports of currently dutiable  products from Japan on industries in the United States producing like or directly competitive products and on consumers.  In preparing its advice, the USITC will consider each article in chapters 1 through 97 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for which U.S. tariffs will remain, taking into account implementation of U.S. commitments in the World Trade Organization. The advice will be based on the HTSUS in effect during 2018 and trade data for the year 2017.

In addition, as requested, the USITC will prepare an assessment of the probable economic effects of eliminating tariffs on imports from Japan of certain agricultural products on U.S. industries producing the products concerned and on the U.S. economy as a whole.  A list of the agriculture products is attached to the USTR’s request letter.

The USITC expects to submit its report, which will be confidential, to the USTR by January 24, 2019.

The USITC is seeking input for the investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the issues for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. 

The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation on December 6, 2018.  Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on November 26, 2018, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  For further information, call 202-205-2000.

The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record.  Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary of the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on December 13, 2018. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.

Trump Administration Announces Intent to Negotiate Trade Agreements with Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom

Trump Administration Announces Intent to Negotiate Trade Agreements with Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom

On October 16, 2018, at the direction of the President, United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer notified Congress that the Trump Administration intends to negotiate three separate trade agreements with Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom.

"Under President Trump’s leadership, we will continue to expand U.S. trade and investment by negotiating trade agreements with Japan, the EU and the United Kingdom," said Ambassador Lighthizer. "Today’s announcement is an important milestone in that process. We are committed to concluding these negotiations with timely and substantive results for American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses."

In officially notifying Congress, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is following the procedures set out in the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 – often referred to as Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) – which requires ongoing consultations with Congress. These consultations ensure that USTR develops negotiating positions with the benefit of Congress’ views. USTR will also publish notices in the Federal Register requesting the public’s input on the direction, focus and content of the trade negotiations.

In accordance with TPA, USTR will publish objectives for the negotiations at least 30 days before formal trade negotiations begin.

To read the notification letters sent to Congress regarding Japan, click here.

To read the notification letters sent to Congress regarding the European Union, click here.

To read the notification letters sent to Congress regarding the United Kingdom, click here.

Background Information

U.S.-Japan Trade

U.S. goods and services trade with Japan totaled an estimated $283.6 billion in 2017. Exports were $114 billion; imports were $169.5 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade deficit with Japan was $55.5 billion in 2017.

U.S.-EU Trade

U.S. goods and services trade with the EU totaled nearly $1.2 trillion in 2017. Exports totaled $527 billion; Imports totaled $627 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade deficit with the EU was $100 billion in 2017.

U.S.-UK Trade

U.S. goods and services trade with United Kingdom totaled an estimated $235.9 billion in 2017. Exports were $125.9 billion; imports were $110.0 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade surplus with United Kingdom was $15.9 billion in 2017.

USTR Statement on the 18th Round of Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

On July 25, 2013, following the completion of the 18th round of Trans-Pacific Partnership ("TPP") negotiations in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, U.S. reported further strong progress on the goal, set by President Obama and the other TPP leaders, of concluding the free trade agreement this year. On July 23, the United States and the other TPP countries welcomed Japan as the 12th member of the negotiations. With Japan’s entry, TPP countries now account for nearly 40 percent of global GDP and about one-third of all world trade.

The 19th round of TPP negotiations will be held in Brunei from August 22-30. The member states are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States, and Vietnam

TPP Negotiaton Round in Peru Completed, Next Round Scheduled for Malaysia, July 15-25

The Office of the United States Trade Representative reports that at the 17th round of Trans-Pacific Partnership ("TPP"), a 10-day round that ended last Friday, the United States and the other TPP countries – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam – discussed plans for smoothly integrating Japan into the TPP negotiations. Japan will join the negotiations following the successful completion of current members’ respective domestic processes. With Japan’s entry, TPP countries will account for nearly 40 percent of global GDP and about one-third of all world trade.

On May 19th, the TPP negotiations were temporarily suspended so negotiators could meet with the 300 stakeholders from the United States and other TPP countries. Stakeholders presented views to negotiators on a wide range of issues under discussion in the TPP, and met informally with U.S. and other negotiators to provide further input to them. Barbara Weisel, U.S. chief TPP negotiator, and the chief negotiators from the other 10 countries also briefed stakeholders on the status of the negotiations and responded to their questions on specific issues and the process going forward.

The 18th round of TPP negotiations will be held in Malaysia from July 15th-25th.

USTR Request for Comments on Negotiating Objectives With Respect to Japan's Participation in the Proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement

The United States intends to commence negotiations with Japan as part of the ongoing negotiations of a Trans-Pacific Partnership ("TPP") trade agreement. In order to develop U.S. negotiating positions, the Office of the United States Trade Representative ("USTR") is seeking comments from the public on all issues related to Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations. USTR also seeks comments on negotiations to address certain non-tariff measures of Japan that will be conducted bilaterally in parallel to the TPP negotiations and addressed by the conclusion of the TPP negotiations.

DATES: Written comments are due by 11:59 p.m., June 9, 2013. Persons wishing to testify orally at the hearing must provide written notification of their intention, as well as a summary of their testimony, by 11:59 p.m., June 9, 2013. The hearing will be held on July 2 beginning at 9:30 a.m., in the Main Hearing Room of the United States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC20436.

1. Background

In November 2011, Japan formally expressed its intention to seek consultations with the TPP countries regarding Japan's possible participation in the TPP negotiations. On December 7, 2011, USTR published a notice in the Federal Register (76 FR 76478), seeking public comments on Japan's possible participation in the TPP negotiations.

On April 24, 2013, following Congressional consultations and after having reached consensus on Japan's participation with the other TPP negotiating partners, (Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam), the U.S. Trade Representative notified Congress that the President intends to commence negotiations with Japan in the context of the ongoing negotiations of the TPP.

2. Public Comments

To assist USTR as it develops its negotiating objectives, the Chair of the Trade Policy Staff Committee ("TPSC") invites interested persons to submit written comments and/or oral testimony at a public hearing on matters relevant to Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations and with respect to the bilateral negotiations to address certain non-tariff measures. The TPSC Chair invites comments on all of these matters and, in particular, seeks comments regarding:

(a) General and product-specific negotiating objectives for Japan in the context of the TPP negotiations;

(b) economic costs and benefits to U.S. producers and consumers of removal of tariffs and removal or reduction in non-tariff barriers on articles traded with Japan;

(c) treatment of specific goods (described by HTSUS numbers) under the proposed TPP agreement, including comments on--

(1) product-specific import or export interests or barriers,

(2) experience with particular measures that should be addressed in the negotiations, and

(3) approach to tariff negotiations, including recommended staging and ways to address export priorities and import sensitivities related to Japan in the context of the TPP agreement;

(d) adequacy of existing customs measures to ensure that qualifying imported goods from TPP countries, including Japan, receive preferential treatment, and appropriate rules of origin for goods entering the United States under the proposed TPP agreement;

(e) existing sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade imposed by Japan that should be addressed in the TPP negotiations;

(f) existing barriers to trade in services between the United States and Japan that should be addressed in the TPP negotiations;

(g) relevant electronic commerce and cross-border data flow issues that should be addressed in the TPP negotiations;

(h) relevant investment issues that should be addressed in the TPP negotiations;

(i) relevant competition-related matters that should be addressed in the TPP negotiations;

(j) relevant government procurement issues, including coverage of any government agencies or state-owned enterprises engaged in procurements of interest, that should be addressed in the TPP negtiations;

(k) relevant environmental issues that should be addressed in the TPP negotiations;

(l) relevant labor issues that should be addressed in the TPP negotiations;

(m) relevant trade-related intellectual property rights issues that should be addressed in the TPP negotiations.

In addition to the matters described above, USTR is addressing new and emerging issues in this proposed regional agreement. Specifically, USTR is considering new approaches designed to promote innovation and competitiveness, encourage new technologies and emerging economic sectors, increase the participation of small- and medium-sized businesses in trade, and support the development of efficient production and supply chains that include U.S. firms in order to encourage firms to invest and produce in the United States. The TPSC Chair invites comments regarding how Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations might affect these new approaches. The TPSC Chair also invites comments on the impact of Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations on other trade-related priorities in the TPP agreement, including environmental protection and conservation, transparency, workers' rights and protections, development, and other issues.

Obama Administration Notifies Congress of Intent to Include Japan in Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

Yesterday the Obama Administration notified Congress of its intent to include Japan in the Trans-Pacific Partnership ("TPP") Agreement negotiations. This notification follows an announcement on April 12, 2013 that the United States and Japan had completed bilateral TPP consultations, as well as an announcement by TPP countries on April 21, 2013 that they welcome Japan as a new participant in the TPP negotiations, pending the successful completion of domestic procedures by each TPP country. Today’s notification triggers a 90-day consultation period with Congress and the public on U.S. negotiating objectives with respect to Japan.

Trans-Pacific Partnership Ministers Chart Path Forward on Key Issues and Confirm Next Steps on Japan’s Entry

Surabaya, Indonesia - The trade ministers of the 11 Trans-Pacific Partnership ("TPP") countries -- which include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States, and Vietnam -- met on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ("APEC") meeting of Ministers Responsible for Trade to chart a path forward on the remaining issues that will enable them to conclude the negotiations on a 2013 timeframe as instructed by TPP Leaders. They also discussed the status of their discussions with Japan on its interest in joining the TPP.

As the negotiating teams prepare for the next round in Lima, Peru, set for May 15-24, ministers agreed on next steps to advance the TPP talks in a range of areas. They directed negotiators to complete their work on some chapters and to accelerate progress on more challenging issues that remain including intellectual property, competition/state-owned enterprises, and environment, as well as on the market access packages for goods, services/investment, and government procurement. Ministers committed to intensifying their own engagement over the coming months to work out solutions to outstanding sensitive issues and to achieve the TPP Leaders’ objective of a high-quality, ambitious, and comprehensive agreement this year.

Ministers also confirmed that each TPP member has concluded bilateral consultations with Japan regarding Japan’s interest in joining the TPP. Today, Ministers agreed by consensus to finalize with Japan the process for entry in a manner that allows the negotiations to continue expeditiously toward conclusion – as was done with other members that joined the negotiations in progress. Japan can then join the TPP negotiations upon completion of current members’ respective domestic processes.

With Japan’s entry, TPP countries would account for nearly 40 percent of global GDP and about one-third of all world trade. TPP Ministers noted that Japan’s participation in the negotiation will underscore the economic significance of TPP and its promise as a pathway toward a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific.

Statement by Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis Regarding Japan and the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Today, Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis announced that the United States has completed its bilateral consultations with Japan regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership ("TPP"), saying:

“Since November 2011, the United States has been engaged in consultations with Japan focused on Japan’s readiness to meet the TPP's high standards for liberalizing trade and investment, and to address specific bilateral issues of concern in the automotive and insurance sectors, as well as other Japanese non-tariff measures.

“The United States and Japan have successfully completed these consultations by concluding a robust package of actions and agreements with Japan in the automotive and insurance sectors, as well as other non-tariff measures. As a result, we are pleased to welcome Japan’s participation in the TPP negotiations pending a consensus agreement among the current TPP members and the completion of our respective domestic processes. Japan’s entry into this important initiative for the Asia-Pacific region will help it to deliver significant economic benefits to the United States, Japan and the Asia-Pacific region."

More information is on the website of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2013/april/amb-marantis-japan-tpp.