U.S. automakers worry that President Donald Trump’s agreement to tariff Japanese vehicles at 15% would put them at a competitive disadvantage, saying they will face steeper import taxes on steel, aluminum and parts than their competitors,

Some foreign firms are taking a similar stance in response to Mr Trump’s new levies. In April Ferrari added up to 10% to the price of its cars. Britain’s Ineos said it would charge more for its Grenadier off‑roader. Canon, a camera-maker, has warned dealers to brace for price increases.

On his own terms, it could now be said that the aggressive approach by the US President is yielding tangible results.

Japan's top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, the Asahi newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Japan's embattled prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, fresh off a crushing defeat in upper house elections over the weekend, will not be in a position of strength to negotiate a favorable trade deal with the U.S., analysts said.

Donald Trump is meeting Sunday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, taking a break from golfing in Scotland to discuss trade as both sides seek an agreement on tariff rates now that the White House's deadline to impose stiff tariff rates is looming.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is planning to decide on his future after assessing progress in tariff negotiations with the United States, Yomiuri newspaper reported on Wednesday.