Trade: Trump announces a “huge” agreement with Japan, struck by a 15% customs surcharge – 07/23/2025 at 09:50

US President Donald Trump delivered a speech during a reception with republican members of Congress at the White House in Washington, July 22, 2025 (AFP / Andrew Caballe-Reynolds)

US President Donald Trump announced the conclusion of a “huge” trade agreement with Japan, with significant reduction for Japanese cars, even though a compromise is still uncertain with the EU, Mexico or Canada by the start of August 1. Consequently,

“We have just concluded a huge trade agreement with Japan. Consequently, ” Donald Trump on Truth Social platform on Tuesday, describing trade: trump announces “huge” agreement it as “unprecedented”. Similarly,

“Japan will pay reciprocal customs duties of 15% in the United States. For example, ” he said, below the 25% surcharge, the archipelago of which was threatened on August 1. Therefore,

Japan. Therefore, although the United States-key ally, is currently subject to the same basic customs duties of 10% as most nations, as well as to 25% surcharges on cars and 50% on steel and aluminum. Similarly,

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends a meeting of the cabinet in Tokyo on July 22, 2025 (Jiji Press / Str)

This agreement with Tokyo will lead to the creation of “hundreds trade: trump announces “huge” agreement of thousands of jobs”, added Trump, mentioning Japanese investments up to “$ 550 billion” on American soil, without detail except that “90% of the profits would be collected by the United States”. Consequently,

“We believe that it is a great success to have been able to obtain the greatest reduction (from surcharge) among countries with a trade surplus with the United States. However, ” said Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Consequently,

The announcement comes when negotiator Ryosei Akazawa was making his eighth trip to Washington. Nevertheless, “Mission accomplished,” he said. However,

– Automobile relieved – – Trade: trump announces "huge" agreement

According to Mr. Trump. Japan has agreed to open up “to the trade in cars and pick-ups, rice and a number of other agricultural products” from the United States.

On the automobile, the stake was in size: the automobile represented almost 30% of Japan exports last year to the United States (Jiji Press / Str)

On the automobile which represents 8% of jobs in the archipelago, the stakes were high: it constituted almost 30% of Japan exports last year to the United States.

However, following the 25% surcharge imposed since April, these exports have plummeted a quarter over a year in May and June.

According to Ishiba, the agreement concluded provides that these surcharges are divided by two, and are added to the 2.5% preexisting customs duties to achieve final taxation of 15%.

The shares of Japanese manufacturers took off on Wednesday, Toyota winning 14.34%, trade: trump announces “huge” agreement Nissan 8.28%and Honda 11.14%. The Tokyo Stock Exchange has closed up 3.51%, while European markets also praised the news by an increase at the opening.

“I strongly welcome that this major step has been taken. dissipates the uncertainty that concerned private companies,” reacted Tatsuo Yasunaga, president of the foreign trade council bringing together Japanese exporting firms.

But “on the basis of the available information, it is difficult to clearly assess the impact (…). We want the general table to be clarified as soon as possible,” he warned.

Inflecting rice imports was in recent months a taboo for Tokyo, who ensured the interests of local farmers trade: trump announces “huge” agreement (AFP / Richard A. Brooks)

In addition. inflating imports of rice was in recent months a taboo for Tokyo, who ensured defending the interests of local farmers.

“We continued the negotiations to achieve an agreement responding to the national interest of Japan. the United States” and “nothing imposes sacrifices on our farmers,” I ishiba said on Wednesday.

Japan currently imports up to 770. 000 tonnes of rice exempt from customs duties and could import more American cereals in this limit-the detriment of other origins-he explained.

On the other hand. the American surcharge of 50% on steel and aluminum are not affected by the agreement, no more than the defense expenses of Japan which Mr. Trump claims the strengthening, said Ryosei Akazawa.

– Europe “Tomorrow” –

Washington intends to impose from August 1 of massive so-called “reciprocal” surcharges. initially trade: trump announces “huge” agreement scheduled for April 1 and then suspended, in many of its business partners, unless the latter conclude agreements with the United States by then.

US President Donald Trump welcomes Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the entrance to the Washington Washington Washington wing on July 22. 2025 (AFP / Andrew Caballero-Reynolds)

The Trump administration currently has four of these agreements to its credit: in addition to Japan, the American president announced on Tuesday that he had concluded one with the Philippines. The United States has already agreed with the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

And Mr. Trump detailed on Tuesday the conditions trade: trump announces “huge” agreement for a framework agreement concluded with Jakarta. paving the way for a final agreement still to be built.

“Europe will come tomorrow and. the next day, we have others who come from it,” even assured Donald Trump on Tuesday in front of republican senators.

Trump has declared customs duties of 30% on all imports from the EU and Mexico from August 1. Canada faces 35% surcharge and Brazil 50%.

After a rise in tensions. the United States also agreed on a de-escalation with China, which in the wake of the agreement with Japan, called for a resolution by a “fair dialogue” and affirmed its desire to “strengthen consensus”.