On September 25, 2019, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced a new bilateral trade deal between the U.S. and Japan. According to the Office of the USTR, Japan will reduce or eliminate tariffs for certain American agricultural goods, while the U.S. will reduce or eliminate tariffs for certain agricultural imports from Japan. American agricultural goods affected by the deal include beef and pork, wheat and barley, certain nuts and berries, wine, and ethanol, among other miscellaneous agricultural goods. Among Japanese agricultural goods affected are certain plants and flowers, green tea, chewing gum, and soy sauce. The U.S. will also reduce or eliminate tariffs on certain Japanese industrial goods, including certain machine tools, bicycles and bicycle parts, steam turbines, fasteners, and musical instruments.

Additionally, the two countries have agreed to a set of provisions addressing digital trade, ensuring non-discrimination of digital goods and services and prohibiting data localization requirements, allowing barrier-free cross-border data transfers. Conspicuously absent from the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement is any discussion of the removal of auto tariffs on Japanese cars imported by the US.

We will continue to monitor this situation and will provide future updates as developments occur. Please contact Husch Blackwell’s International Trade and Supply Chain team for more information.

Print:
Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn
Photo of Nithya Nagarajan Nithya Nagarajan

Nithya’s extensive background in U.S. trade issues spans 25 years and includes various roles in a number of federal government agencies, including the Department of Commerce Department of Justice, and the U.S. Court of International Trade. She assists clients with administrative and regulatory…

Nithya’s extensive background in U.S. trade issues spans 25 years and includes various roles in a number of federal government agencies, including the Department of Commerce Department of Justice, and the U.S. Court of International Trade. She assists clients with administrative and regulatory actions before the Department of Commerce, International Trade Commission and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and defends clients in appeals before the Court of International Trade, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, NAFTA panels and the World Trade Organization. In addition to her body of U.S. experience, Nithya is also well-versed in international trade issues in China and India.

Photo of Turner Kim Turner Kim

A trade analyst, Turner conducts industry research and analyzes trade data to assist attorneys with client proceedings at the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Court of International Trade. He also actively monitors U.S. government and global trade developments…

A trade analyst, Turner conducts industry research and analyzes trade data to assist attorneys with client proceedings at the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Court of International Trade. He also actively monitors U.S. government and global trade developments for issues relating to client’s most critical trade matters.