The White House, Washington. July 7, 2025

Dear Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

Prime Minister of Japan

Tokyo

Dear Prime Minister:

I am very honored to send you this letter, which reflects the stability 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 under the premise of a more balanced and fair trade. Therefore, we sincerely invite your country to participate in the extraordinary economy of the United States, the world's largest market. We have had discussions about U.S.-Japan trade relations for many years and have concluded that we must eliminate these long-standing, highly persistent trade deficits, which are caused by Japan's tariffs, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers. Unfortunately, our trade relationship is no longer mutually beneficial.

Starting from 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 circumvent this tariff through third-country transshipment will also be subject to a higher tax rate.

Please understand that this 25% tariff is far below the level required to bridge the trade deficit between the U.S. and Japan. As you know, if a Japanese or your country's company decides to build a factory or produce related products within the United States, this tariff will not be imposed. In fact, we will do our utmost to expedite the approval process quickly, professionally, and routinely—in other words, it will take just 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 U.S. 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 even national security.