President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed twin agreements Tuesday to reset U.S.–Japan economic ties, including a cut in U.S. auto tariffs and a new framework on critical minerals, according to Kyodo News.
Kyodo News reported the package lowers the U.S. levy on Japanese automobiles to 15% from 27.5%, while Japan commits $550 billion in investment across key U.S. industries and increases purchases of American agricultural and other products. A separate document establishes cooperation to secure supplies of rare earths and other critical minerals.
At their first summit in Tokyo, the leaders also underscored defense coordination and alliance priorities, Kyodo News said. Takaichi, who took office last week as Japan’s first female prime minister, praised Trump’s role in recent diplomacy and said the meeting opened a “new golden era” for the alliance.
“The golden age of the Japan–U.S. Alliance begins today,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on X, calling the alliance “ironclad” and pledging to advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific with Washington. In public remarks, Trump said the relationship would be “stronger than ever.”
Kyodo News said that the two sides also talked about important minerals, how Japanese investments may get into the U.S. market, and Japan’s intention to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP. The leaders also visited with the families of Japanese citizens who were kidnapped by North Korea and said again that they support finding a solution to the long-standing problem.
The summit came during Trump’s Asia tour, with further stops expected later this week.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
