TOKYO — U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent complaint that Japan “won’t accept” American cars underscores the distance that remains between the two countries in tariff negotiations, with a proposal by Tokyo for lower duties based on U.S. production failing to convince negotiators in Washington.
Trump last week announced a 25% tariff on Japanese goods, to take effect Aug. 1, slightly higher than the original 24% “reciprocal” duty announced in April. Washington had already slapped a separate, non-overlapping 25% duty on all imported autos, bringing the rate up to 27.5% from the previous 2.5%.
