The Japanese government has confirmed that the United States will not impose additional tariffs beyond the existing U.S.-Japan agreement, despite the Trump administration's warning of potential tariffs on 60 economies due to forced labor concerns.
Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, stated on social media on the night of June 3 that he had an online meeting with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Rutnik. "We reaffirmed that our agreement remains solid and effective," he said.
He added, "The agreement from last year is unchanged, and both countries share the understanding that we are committed to its implementation. We confirmed with the U.S. that no additional tariffs beyond last year's agreement will be imposed on Japan."
Akazawa urged those following the news to "rest assured."
This announcement follows the Trump administration's declaration the previous day that it would impose additional tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies that have failed to effectively block the trade of products made with forced labor.
Like South Korea, Japan has been categorized as failing to implement and enforce measures to ban imports of products made with forced labor, placing it among the 54 economies subject to the 12.5% additional tariff.
The U.S. and Japan reached a trade agreement last year that limited the tariff rate, including existing tariffs, to 15%. Under this agreement, the U.S. applies a 15% tariff only to Japanese products with a tariff rate below 15%, while no additional tariffs are imposed on products already exceeding 15%.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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