The United States and Japan have achieved a trade agreement regarding market access for certain agricultural and industrial goods, with plans to pursue subsequent negotiations for an expanded free trade agreement.
Timeline
On October 17, 2019, the United States and Japan reached an agreement on market access for certain agriculture and industrial goods. The Japanese Legislature approved the agreement on December 5, 2019.
Presidential Proclamation 9974 was issued on December 26, 2019 establishing an entry into force date of January 1, 2020. On December 30, 2019 the Federal Register Notice (84 FR 72187) was issued to implement the Agreement.
Imports into the United States
The United States will provide tariff elimination or reduction on 241 tariff lines. The affected agricultural products include perennial plants and cut flowers, persimmons, green tea, chewing gum, and soy sauce. The United States will also reduce or eliminate tariffs on certain industrial goods from Japan such as certain machine tools, fasteners, steam turbines, bicycles, bicycle parts, and musical instruments.
Import Compliance
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued CSMS Message #41149692 on December 31, 2019. Additional compliance guidance will be made available as soon as possible.
Exports to Japan
The U.S. – Japan Trade Agreement provides for significant proportions of U.S. food and agricultural products imported into Japan to either be duty free or receive preferential tariff access, and the reduction of other import restrictions. For more information on how treatment of U.S. exports to Japan will change, please contact the U.S. Department of Commerce at www.Export.gov. More →
