Japan Keeps Its US Trade Deal Intact After the Tariff Ruling

Japan has kept to the terms of its trade framework with the United States even after a February 2026 Supreme Court decision removed the sweeping tariffs Washington had imposed on many trading partners. The court held that emergency economic powers did not authorise the president to impose those tariffs, and the levies were lifted.

Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa has said Japan will continue to honour the deal reached in 2025. Under that framework, the United States agreed to cap certain tariffs on Japan, while Japan pledged to invest $550 billion in the United States.

China’s export curbs enter the picture

Tokyo and Washington both point to Beijing as the bigger risk to supply chains. Akazawa and US Trade Representative Greer shared the view that China’s arbitrary export controls could cause significant damage to the supply chains of both countries.

At an online APEC ministerial meeting, Akazawa also criticised China’s controls on rare earth exports, which feed into many manufactured goods.

What it means for businesses

For Japanese manufacturers, a stable tariff framework with Washington combined with tighter Chinese controls makes supply planning as important as pricing. Companies that depend on rare earths and critical minerals are watching both governments closely. Corporate responses are covered in our Companies section, and policy background is in Business.

Source: Jiji Press via Nation Thailand, 4 November 2026; SCMP; US Congressional Research Service, updated 4 November 2026.