President Trump announced a new trade framework with Japan that imposes a 15% tariff on Japanese imports, down from a previously threatened 25% rate. The deal, which Trump described as "perhaps the largest Deal ever made," includes Japan investing $550 billion into the U.S. and opening its markets to American goods such as cars, trucks, and rice. While the agreement was framed as a win for American manufacturing and job creation, it sparked concern among U.S. automakers who argued that the lower tariff on Japanese vehicles could disadvantage North American-built cars still facing higher import duties. The announcement also triggered a surge in Japanese stocks, with major automakers like Toyota and Honda seeing double-digit gains.
