The White House, Washington. July 7, 2025

Dear Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

Prime Minister of Japan

Tokyo

Dear Prime Minister:

I am honored to send you this letter, which reflects the strength and commitment of our trade relationship, and indicates that despite the significant trade deficit between the U.S. and Japan, the United States is still willing to continue cooperating with Japan.

However, we have decided to move forward with your country only on the premise of a more balanced and fair trade relationship. Therefore, we sincerely invite your country to participate in the extraordinary economy of the United States, the world's largest market. We have been discussing the U.S.-Japan trade relationship for many years and have concluded that we must eliminate these long-standing and persistent trade deficits, which are caused by Japan's tariffs, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers. Unfortunately, our trade relationship is no longer reciprocal.

Effective August 1, 2025, the United States will impose a uniform tariff of 25% on all goods exported from Japan to the United States (excluding industry-specific tariffs). Any goods attempting to evade this tariff through re-exportation via third countries will also be subject to higher rates.

Please understand that this 25% tariff is far below the level needed to bridge the trade deficit between the U.S. and Japan. As you know, if Japanese or your country's companies decide to build factories or produce related products within the United States, they will not be subject to this tariff. In fact, we will make every effort to expedite the approval process quickly, professionally, and routinely—in other words, it will take only a few weeks to complete.

If your country decides to raise tariffs on U.S. goods for any reason, then regardless of the increase, the United States will add a corresponding percentage on top of the established 25%. Please understand that the United States is taking this series of tariff measures to correct the unsustainable trade deficit caused by Japan's tariffs, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers over the years.

This trade deficit has become a significant threat to the U.S. economy and national security.

We look forward to continuing our cooperation as your trade partner for many years to come. If your country is willing to open currently restricted trade markets to the United States and eliminate your tariffs, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers, we may consider making corresponding adjustments to the contents of this letter.

These tariffs may be adjusted up or down based on our relationship with your country.

Please believe that the United States will never disappoint you.

Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Sincerely,

Respectfully,

(Signature)

Donald J. Trump