Key Facts
• On September 16, 2025, the U.S. reduced tariffs on Japanese cars to 15%.
• Previous tariff rate was 27.5%, including a 25% additional duty.
• Additional duty was halved to 12.5%, combined with the base 2.5% rate.
• Special measures to ease “reciprocal tariffs” also took effect the same day.
• U.S. Commerce Department announced the change on September 15, 2025.
• The new rate applies retroactively to August 7, 2025.
• Overcharged tariffs since August 7 will be refunded.
• Items under 15% tariffs now face a uniform 15% rate.
• Goods already taxed above 15% will not see further increases.
• Civilian aircraft are excluded from reciprocal and additional tariffs.
Summary
The Trump administration has reduced tariffs on Japanese passenger cars from 27.5% to 15%, effective September 16, 2025. This includes halving the 25% additional duty to 12.5%, combined with the existing 2.5% base rate. The U.S. Commerce Department announced the change on September 15, with retroactive application to August 7, 2025. Overcharged tariffs since that date will be refunded. Special measures to ease “reciprocal tariffs” were also implemented, setting a uniform 15% rate for items previously taxed below this threshold, while exempting civilian aircraft from additional duties. These adjustments aim to alleviate trade burdens and reflect agreements between the U.S. and Japan.
