- Japan identified around 150 trade concerns involving major trading partners.
- Türkiye's vehicle tariffs may conflict with WTO commitments on EV imports.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan released its 2026 Report on Compliance by Major Trading Partners with Trade Agreements on June 12, highlighting trade measures that may conflict with international obligations. The latest edition identified nearly 150 issues globally, including seven newly added concerns. Among the most notable developments for the automotive sector was the examination of Türkiye passenger car tariffs and other measures affecting cross-border vehicle trade. The report serves as an annual assessment of trade barriers and policy actions that may not align with established international frameworks, reflecting growing scrutiny over market access and fair trade practices.
Türkiye Passenger Car Tariffs Draw WTO Concerns
According to the report, the government of Türkiye increased tariffs in September 2025 on passenger cars imported from countries that do not have free trade agreements in place, including Japan. Under World Trade Organization rules, electric vehicle tariffs are generally expected to remain at or below 20 percent. However, Türkiye is reportedly imposing duties of up to 40 percent on certain imports. The Japanese ministry indicated that these measures may not be consistent with international trade commitments, raising concerns over equal market access and compliance with multilateral agreements governing global commerce.
Additional Trade Issues Highlighted in the Report
Beyond automotive tariffs, the report introduced several new trade concerns involving steel products and industrial goods. It cited tariff increases on steel imports by Canada and the European Union, along with an anti-dumping investigation launched by the European Union into Japanese cold-rolled steel sheets. These developments reflect broader trade tensions affecting multiple sectors and underscore the importance of transparent and rules-based international commerce. The annual publication continues to serve as a benchmark for monitoring policies that could disrupt global trade relationships.
Key Highlights from the 2026 Trade Compliance Report
The latest report marks the 35th edition of the ministry's unfair trade assessment and expands its coverage across several sectors. By documenting measures that may conflict with international agreements, the report aims to encourage dialogue and compliance among trading partners while supporting a predictable global business environment for exporters and manufacturers.
- Approximately 150 trade-related issues were identified.
- Seven concerns were newly added in the 2026 edition.
- Türkiye's vehicle tariffs were highlighted in the automotive sector.
- Steel trade measures involving Canada and the European Union were included.
- The report represents the 35th annual publication by the ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What concerns did Japan raise regarding Türkiye's vehicle tariffs?
Japan stated that Türkiye's tariffs on passenger cars imported from countries without free trade agreements may conflict with WTO rules. The concern is particularly significant for electric vehicles, where international agreements generally allow tariffs of up to 20 percent. Since Türkiye is reportedly imposing tariffs of up to 40 percent, the measures could be viewed as inconsistent with multilateral trade commitments. The issue was formally included in the 2026 trade compliance report released by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Why is the METI trade compliance report important?
The annual report provides a structured review of trade measures adopted by major economies that may violate international rules. It helps identify barriers affecting exporters, manufacturers, and global supply chains across different industries. By documenting these concerns, Japan encourages greater transparency and adherence to established trade agreements. The 2026 edition identified around 150 issues worldwide and included new concerns related to automotive tariffs, steel products, and anti-dumping investigations involving several trading partners.
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