Trump announces tariffs of at least 25 percent on Japan, South Korea

The Washington Post ^ | Update July 7, 2025 at 12:46 p.m. EDT | Abha Bhattarai

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Financial markets are on edge, but White House officials say they anticipate “a lot of deals very quickly.”

President Donald Trump on Monday threatened 25 percent tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, the first of what he said would be a series of higher duties unveiled by the White House as it continues negotiating trade deals with dozens of countries.

In a pair of letters posted on Truth Social, his social media site, Trump said the United States “has agreed to continue working with” each country despite large trade deficits.

“Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal,” he wrote, adding that the 25 percent was just a starting point. “ … If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 25% that we charge.”

The administration’s 90-day pause on tariffs that Trump rolled out in April — ranging from 10 percent to about 50 percent on imports from dozens of countries — is set to lift Wednesday, though Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said new levies might not take effect until Aug. 1. Under those policies, Japan would have faced a 24 percent tariff, whereas goods from South Korea would’ve been taxed at 25 percent — the same rate Trump announced Monday.

“If you wish to open your heretofore closed Trading Markets to the United States, and eliminate your Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” Trump wrote.

That appeared to be an indication that the administration hopes to continue negotiating before the August deadline.

“President Trump’s going to be sending letters to some of our trading partners saying that if you don’t move things along, then on...

[Jim W N]

Sorry, but this is punishing the American Consumer for preferring Japanese cars that are higher quality than the lousy America cars.

Get rid of the stupid unions in America that make American products miserable.

ABOLISH UNCONSTITUTIONAL FEDERAL PROTECTION OF UNIONS!!!!

[norcal joe]

Already posted 90 minutes ago:

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4327308/posts

[FreeReign]

Aren’t most Japanese cars assembled in the USA?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Already posted 90 minutes ago:

Slightly different titles, completely different sources, authors and content.

[JayGalt]

I’m sorry but this is fake news.

Models Assembled in the U.S.:
Accord
Civic
CR-V
Pilot
Ridgeline
Odyssey
Passport
Acura models: MDX, RDX, and TLX are also assembled in the U.S.
Integra

Toyota Vehicles Made in the USA
Toyota Camry – Built in Kentucky

One of the best-selling sedans in America, the Toyota Camry is manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, KY. Known for its reliability and efficiency, the Camry has been a staple of Toyota’s U.S. lineup for decades.

Toyota RAV4 – Built in Kentucky

The Toyota RAV4, one of the most popular SUVs on the market, is assembled at the same Georgetown, KY plant as the Camry. With its versatility and fuel efficiency, the RAV4 is a favorite among drivers who want a reliable crossover for city and adventure driving alike.

Toyota Tundra – Built in Texas

Toyota’s full-size truck, the Toyota Tundra, is proudly assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio, TX. This plant was built specifically for Toyota’s truck production and has been rolling out powerful, American-built Tundras since 2006.

Toyota Highlander – Built in Indiana

The Toyota Highlander, a family-friendly three-row SUV, is manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, IN. This plant specializes in SUVs and has played a key role in Toyota’s American production for years.

Toyota Grand Highlander – Built in Indiana

A larger version of the Highlander, the Toyota Grand Highlander is also built at TMMI in Princeton, IN. With more space and enhanced comfort, this model is perfect for families needing extra room for passengers and cargo.

Toyota Sienna – Built in Indiana

For minivan lovers, the Toyota Sienna is assembled at TMMI in Princeton, IN as well. Featuring a hybrid powertrain and spacious interior, the Sienna is a top choice for families looking for efficiency and convenience.

Toyota Sequoia – Built in Texas

Toyota’s full-size SUV, the Toyota Sequoia, is produced at TMMTX in San Antonio, TX alongside the Tundra. This powerful SUV is built for adventure and towing, making it a great option for those who need capability and space.

[Jim W N]

Where are the parts made?

[napscoordinator]

Give it a few days and he’ll change his mind.

[In_Iowa_not_from]

The components are made in Japan. Japan is currently the source for the highest quality bearings, spark plugs, and starter motors.

I can see protecting America from low quality Chinese knockoffs. But if American companies can’t compete with high quality products from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Germany, that’s the fault of American companies.

[Jim W N]

the fault of American companies ...

...and the corrupt unions unconstitutionally protected by the feds.

[untenured]

There are many car factories in the U.S. But J8m W N’as point was bout American unions. Here is the Google AI list of Japanese-owned auto factories in the U.S.:

Generally, Japanese automakers operating in the US have successfully resisted unionization efforts by the United Auto Workers (UAW). While there are a few exceptions, such as the former NUMMI plant (a Toyota-GM joint venture), most of their US plants are non-union.

Here's a more detailed look:

Limited Unionization:

A significant number of Japanese automakers have established manufacturing facilities in the US, particularly in the South, but they operate with non-union workforces. The UAW has made repeated attempts to organize workers at Japanese-owned plants, but these efforts have largely been unsuccessful.

Reasons for Resistance:

Japanese automakers have often cited their production methods, which emphasize flexible work teams and cooperative work environments, as reasons for resisting the UAW's traditional assembly line model.

Location Strategy:

Some argue that the choice of locations, often in right-to-work states, has also contributed to their ability to remain non-union.

Notable Exceptions:

The NUMMI plant in Fremont, California, was a notable exception, as it was a unionized joint venture between Toyota and General Motors.

—————-

So only one unionized Japanese factory ever in the U.S., and it seems to now be an ex-factory. And it’s not for lack of trying by the greedy, corrupt UAW.

[In_Iowa_not_from]

The funny thing is, Japan, Taiwan, S Korea, and Germany all have union labor. But apparently theirs aren’t as corrupt and greedy as American ones.

[SPDSHDW]

Bearings can be debated, Spark plugs and starters(as long as they aren’t remanufactured) you Are 100% correct.

[JayGalt]

If you want to drill down feel free. If the cars are assembled in USA plants the tariffs for car imports in Japan are irrelevant.

https://hondainamerica.com/manufacturing/

Model	Vehicle Production	Engine Production	Transmission Production
2. Honda Passport	Lincoln, Alabama	Lincoln, Alabama	Tallapoosa, Georgia
5. Honda Odyssey	Lincoln, Alabama	Lincoln, Alabama	Tallapoosa, Georgia
6. Honda Ridgeline	Lincoln, Alabama	Lincoln, Alabama	Gray Court, South Carolina
12. Acura RDX	East Liberty, Ohio	Anna, Ohio	Russells Point, Ohio
13. Honda Accord	Marysville, Ohio	Anna, Ohio	Russells Point, Ohio
14. Honda Pilot	Lincoln, Alabama	Lincoln, Alabama	Tallapoosa, Georgia
15. Acura MDX	East Liberty, Ohio	Anna, Ohio	Russells Point, Ohio
16. Acura Integra	Marysville, Ohio	Anna, Ohio	Russells Point, Ohio
18. Acura TLX	Marysville, Ohio	Anna, Ohio	Russells Point, Ohio

[JayGalt]

Please see above. Components for honda USA made.

[JayGalt]

I thought Jim’s point was on tariffs raising the price of Japanese cars to Americans since parts are made abroad. At least for Honda that is not a concern.

[Jim W N]

If the superior quality components and parts from Japan are hit with tariffs then, again, the American Consumer is paying the price for artificial gov’t-driven higher costs of superior products regardless of whether the finished product is assembled in the US.

[JayGalt]

It’s an interesting question. Usually labor & assembly is the expensive aspect of the final price. With the engines & transmissions fabricated in the USA I can’t see that the hit from any parts will affect the price much.
Just like other tariffs the manufacturers will absorb much of that increased cost. If a particular part is an issue the manufacture of that part will likely shift.

[In_Iowa_not_from]

Trump isn’t a free market conservative. He is a nationalist autarkist. He doesn’t view the world as capital vs labor or liberal vs conservative or Christian vs pagan. It’s more of America vs the world.

[JayGalt]

Thank yuo, great word, new for me, and a perfect encapsulation of Trump’s (and my) position.