US Tariffs on Imports from Japan

Japan continues to face a 10% tariff rate — now under Section 122 authority following the SCOTUS ruling. With $148B in annual US imports, Japan's position is unchanged and remains favorable compared to the old IEEPA regime that hit other Asian exporters much harder.

The US-Japan trade relationship lacks a comprehensive FTA, though a Phase 1 trade agreement reached in 2019 reduced tariffs on a limited set of agricultural and industrial goods. Japan is the US's fourth-largest goods trading partner. The economic alliance is reinforced by security cooperation and shared interests in semiconductor supply chain resilience. Japan is a member of CPTPP but the US is not.

Key Products Imported from Japan

Top imports include passenger vehicles and auto parts (Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Nissan), machinery, electrical equipment, optical and medical instruments, and organic chemicals. Japan is also a major supplier of advanced materials, machine tools, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Recent Changes

Feb 20, 2026: SCOTUS struck down IEEPA tariffs; Japan's 10% rate continues under Section 122 (expires ~July 24, 2026). Japan's rate was already at the 10% floor, so the ruling has no practical effect on Japanese imports. Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs of 50% remain. Japanese automakers continue expanding US manufacturing (Toyota in Kentucky, Honda in Ohio) as a tariff hedge.

Tips for Importers

Japanese vehicles enter at 2.5% MFN plus 10% Section 122 for a total of 12.5% — competitive compared to the pre-ruling era when South Korea faced 25% and the EU 20%. For machinery and semiconductor equipment, verify HTS classifications for potential 0% MFN treatment. Many Japanese companies (Toyota, Honda, Subaru) have extensive US or Mexico manufacturing that provides USMCA-qualifying alternatives. The Section 122 expiry in ~July 2026 could remove the 10% layer entirely.