Japan's Industry Minister Yoji Muto said on Wednesday that he has asked the United States to exempt Japan from the announced steel and aluminum tariffs.
US President Donald Trump raised import tariffs on steel and aluminum by 25% on Monday for all countries without exception.
The move is to support struggling U.S. industries that have been in the throes of a global trade war.
Trump recently considered Australia's request for an exemption from steel tariffs due to the two countries' trade deficits.
The tariffs are scheduled to take effect on March 12, 2025, marking the first sector-specific tariff order Trump has issued since taking office in January.
Under the previous Joe Biden administration, several U.S. trading partners, including Japan, were granted duty-free quotas. However, Donald Trump revoked the exemption on February 10, 2025.
Minister Muto stated that Japan will take necessary and firm measures while closely monitoring any possible impact on Japanese companies.
