Japan's chief negotiator, Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, had been working on a deal since April. He's made eight trips to Washington, pressing the case in person. After the deal news broke, he tweeted a photo of himself at the White House: "Mission complete. Sincere thanks to all involved."

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,