Japan Urges US to Limit Impact of New 15% Tariffs on Trade Deal

Tokyo, February 24, 2026 – Japan has formally requested the United States ensure the impact of newly imposed global tariffs does not exceed the terms of their bilateral trade agreement reached last year, following a Supreme Court ruling that overturned reciprocal tariff policies. The request came during a phone conversation between Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ryosei Akazawa and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to a statement released by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The Supreme Court decision, handed down Friday, effectively invalidated a key component of former President Donald Trump’s trade strategy, blocking the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify tariffs. The ruling impacts a base global tariff of 10% on imports, as well as reciprocal tariffs levied against trading partners, including additional 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, according to web search results.

Japanese government spokesperson Minoru Kihara stated that Tokyo will “carefully examine” the Supreme Court’s ruling and is closely monitoring the ramifications of the new global tariff on the existing trade agreement. That agreement, finalized in July, includes commitments of up to $550 billion in Japanese investment in the United States.

Despite the legal setback for the tariffs, Japan indicated it believes previously announced investment projects, totaling $36 billion, will proceed as planned. These investments include a large-scale natural gas infrastructure project in Ohio, as well as ventures in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and critical minerals, according to reports from ABC Color. A source within the Japanese government, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested these projects are deemed “necessary for the growth and security” of the Japanese economy.

However, the same source cautioned that further tariff impositions by the Trump administration through alternative means are anticipated. This expectation comes as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to travel to the U.S. Next month for a meeting with President Trump.

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated on Tuesday that the government is reviewing the details of the Supreme Court decision, according to reports from VT Markets. The outcome of that review and its potential impact on the trade agreement remain unclear.