Overview
- Japan confirmed it will proceed with the first tranche of U.S. investments tied to tariff talks, totaling about $36 billion across projects in Ohio, Texas and Georgia.
- The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s reciprocal global tariffs, ruling his use of a 1977 emergency law unlawful.
- Following the ruling, the administration imposed a new 10 percent global tariff under the Trade Act of 1974, with a senior official indicating Japan’s rate would be lowered to that level.
- A senior Japanese official said project selection has begun for a second round and conveyed expectations that both sides uphold the September tariff understanding.
- Officials and analysts expect limited near-term impact on preparations for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s March 19 White House visit, where the US$550 billion package is set to anchor talks on strategic industries.