Japan is considering providing subsidies for Tesla's Supercharger electric vehicle (EV) charging stations as part of ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States. This potential policy shift comes as the country currently limits subsidies to chargers using the CHAdeMO standard, which was developed domestically. Reuters reported that this standard currently excludes Tesla's Supercharger network from receiving financial support.

The consideration for including Tesla's infrastructure in Japan's subsidy program follows concerns from the U.S. Trade Representative. The U.S. has been pushing Japan to broaden its support for electric vehicle charging options to include Tesla, reflecting an effort to make the playing field more equitable for American companies. This discussion is part of a broader negotiation strategy as Japan prepares for another round of trade talks with the U.S., potentially involving top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa traveling to Washington.

In these upcoming negotiations, Japan is also expected to address U.S. tariffs on Japanese imports. Instead of calling for complete eliminations, Japan may propose reductions of existing tariffs, including the 25% tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. By addressing these tariffs, and potentially expanding EV charger subsidies to include Tesla, Japan is making moves to respond to U.S. concerns and strengthen bilateral trade relations.