The 15% tariffs are lower than the 25% initially set by Trump, but they still contradict Tokyo's previous demands for Japan to be exempt from all U.S. tariffs. The 15% tax is likely to come into effect starting August 1, when other reciprocal tariffs imposed by Trump against major economies are set to take effect.

Uncertainty about the trade deal between Japan and the United States has increased this week, especially after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba suffered a severe loss in the Senate elections held over the weekend.