Key Facts
• August 7, 2025, 1:00 PM: Japan hit with 15% reciprocal tariffs by Trump administration.
• New tariffs apply to Japanese sake exports, raising concerns among sake producers.
• Japanese government claims items with existing tariffs above 15% are exempt, but U.S. records lack confirmation.
• Momokawa Brewery in Oirase Town exports 10% of its sake, with half going to the U.S.
• December 2024: UNESCO recognized Japan’s traditional sake brewing as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Momokawa’s Deputy Sales Director, Shinya Murai, fears higher U.S. prices will hurt sales.
• Murai: “This disrupts global efforts to expand sake markets.”
• Brewery plans to explore exports to other countries to offset potential losses.
• Aomori Prefecture: U.S. accounts for 5% of total export value.
Summary
Japan faces a 15% reciprocal tariff imposed by the Trump administration, effective August 7, 2025. This measure has raised concerns among Japanese sake exporters, particularly Momokawa Brewery in Aomori Prefecture, which exports 10% of its sake, with half destined for the U.S. The brewery fears higher prices in the U.S. market will negatively impact sales, disrupting efforts to expand global sake markets. This comes after Japan’s traditional sake brewing was recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2024, a milestone expected to boost exports. The Japanese government claims exemptions for items with existing tariffs above 15%, but discrepancies with U.S. records remain. To mitigate potential losses, Momokawa plans to explore alternative export markets. Currently, the U.S. accounts for 5% of Aomori Prefecture’s total export value.
