On July 23, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced that new tariffs of either 10 percent or 12.5 percent will be imposed on 60 countries and regions, including Japan.
 
A rate of 12.5 percent will be applied to Japan, but items already subject to higher tariffs will remain at their current levels.
 
In February this year, the Trump administration introduced an additional 10 percent tariff to replace reciprocal tariffs that had been ruled unlawful by the U.S. Supreme Court. However, the measure was temporary and was scheduled to expire on July 24.
 
The US administration said the new tariffs are being imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act, based on concerns that insufficient measures have been taken to prevent the import of goods produced through forced labor.
 
The new tariff measures took effect at 12:01 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on July 24, or 1:01 p.m. the same day Japan time.
 
The Japanese government said the new tariffs are “regrettable.”
 
S/ Akazawa Ryosei, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister / It is regrettable that tariffs are being imposed on our country on the grounds that Japan does not have import bans on products made through forced labor, even though our country’s industries and trade are conducted in accordance with international rules.
 
Trade minister Akazawa Ryosei said that Japan has confirmed with the United States that no additional tariffs beyond those agreed upon last year will be imposed on Japan.
 
He said Japan will maintain close communication with the United States on the matter.