Tokyo’s trade minister revealed on Monday that he had requested US officials to exempt Japan from the upcoming vehicle and metal tariffs, but there were no indications that Washington would agree to the request.
The Trump administration is set to impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum this week, with an additional tariff on foreign automobiles beginning in April.
In 2024, Japan’s exports to the US totaled 21.3 trillion yen ($145 billion), with cars and vehicles making up approximately one-third of that amount.
Economy, Trade, and Industry Minister Yoji Muto held talks in Washington with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and other officials on Monday.
“We have requested that the tariff measures announced so far by the US government should not be applied to our country,” Muto told reporters after the meeting.
However, Muto explained that US officials emphasized the importance of revitalizing the US manufacturing industry and securing domestic jobs.
“Based on this discussion, we will continue to work closely to explore how we can create a win-win situation that aligns with both Japan’s and the United States’ national interests,” Muto added.
In Tokyo on Tuesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that Japan had not received any guarantees from the US side regarding tariff exemptions.
“It is our understanding that (Muto) did not secure confirmation that Japan would be excluded from the tariff measures,” Hayashi told reporters.
Japan, home to the world’s top-selling automaker Toyota, relies heavily on its auto industry, which impacts many sectors, including parts manufacturing, steel, and microchips.
AFP
