TOKYO (AP) — Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump's signing of an order to implement lower tariffs on automobiles and other Japanese imports as a step that addressed uncertainty for key industries.
The reduction to 15% from the previous 25% was agreed between the two sides on July 22.
“Tariff negotiations between Japan and the United States was the top priority for the government and we have put all our effort into achieving an agreement in a best possible way as soon as possible,” Ishiba said Friday. “The way it was achieved … is just excellent.”
The step on tariffs comes as the Japanese prime minister faces pressure from right-wing rivals within his party to resign over its July election loss.
In Washington, Japan’s top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa and his U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also signed a joint statement, confirming a $550 billion Japanese investment in U.S. projects.
Akazawa said Trump's order brings down tariffs on automobiles and auto parts to 15% and that there will be no stacking on the existing rate, and so-called reciprocal tariffs on most other goods are also set at the same rate without stacking. He said aircraft and aircraft parts will be excluded from reciprocal tariffs.
The two allies agreed on the deal in July but Japanese officials discovered days later the preliminary deal had added 15% on existing rates and objected. Washington acknowledged the mistake and agreed to fix and to refund any excess import duties paid.
Akazawa said he expected the order to take effect within two weeks.
Ishiba said Akazawa carried the prime minister’s letter to Trump, stating his wish to build “a golden era of Japan-U.S. relations” together, and inviting the president to visit Japan.
He welcomed the deal as a result of his consistent push for investment instead of tariffs and stressed that “it is important to implement the agreement faithfully and promptly.”
FILE - Export vehicles are parked at Daikoku Pier in Yokohama, near Tokyo, April 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File)
FILE - Ryosei Akazawa, newly appointed Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization, arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, on Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File)
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivers a speech during the Japan India Economic Forum in Tokyo Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
LEIPZIG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 15, 2026--
Antech™, a global veterinary diagnostics company, today announced that Antech Academy, one of the largest and longest running continuous veterinary education platforms in Europe, proudly marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of unwavering commitment to supporting veterinary professionals in continuously improving their clinical expertise through high-quality, relevant education.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115872999/en/
For over 20 years, Antech Academy has been dedicated to empowering a growing community of over 25,000 veterinarians with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve accurate diagnoses and deliver the best possible treatments to their patients.
Key topics
The Antech Academy curriculum covers key disciplines encountered in daily practice, including internal medicine, clinical pathology/medical biology, oncology, dermatology, anesthesia, neurology, surgery, emergency & critical care, reproduction, infectious diseases, cardiology, genetics, exotic pets, ophthalmology, bacteriology, and more.
Innovative training formats across Europe
To meet veterinary practitioners’ evolving needs, Antech Academy blends theoretical learning with hands-on practice:
Courses are led by highly qualified veterinary specialists who are passionate about sharing their expertise with exceptional pedagogical quality.
20 years of impact in Germany, France and Belgium
Since its inception in Germany, Antech Academy has forged strong partnerships with over 100 veterinary practitioners and specialists nationwide.
Over the past two decades, its training programs have become a benchmark for excellence, with over 8000 veterinarians benefiting from scientific sessions, hands-on workshops, and advanced courses. These initiatives have strengthened expertise, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and improved patient care throughout the country.
In 2025, over 1,600 veterinary professionals in Germany attended Antech Academy courses, all of which are ATF-certified.
Over 13,000 French-speaking veterinarians attended Antech Academy live webinars in 2025, with more than 35,000 total connections throughout the year – all led by over 50 expert veterinary trainers.
Antech has also partnered with leading veterinary institutions such as L'École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA) and ULB HeLSci to develop and deliver the continuous education offering.
Sign up with Antech Academy during Leipzig Veterinary Congress
Veterinary professionals signing up for Antech Academy webinars or courses during Leipzig Veterinary Congress (15-17 January) will receive a special 25% discount.
About Antech
Antech is a global veterinary diagnostics company driven by its passion for innovation that helps veterinarians deliver better animal health outcomes. Antech products and services span a wide network of reference laboratories across the globe; in-house diagnostic laboratory instruments and consumables, including rapid assay diagnostic products and digital cytology services; local and cloud-based data services; practice information management software and related software and support; veterinary imaging and technology; veterinary professional education and training; and board-certified specialist support services. For more information, please visit antechdiagnostics.com.
Antech Academy: 20 years of advancing continuous veterinary education in Europe
Antech Academy: 20 years of advancing continuous veterinary education in Europe
