By Aysenur Seyma Asan and Emir Yildirim
Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto said Thursday that he met with officials in Washington including US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on exempting Japan from US auto tariffs, but an agreement has yet to be reached.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday imposing 25% tariffs on imports of foreign-made cars and light trucks as he continued his global import duty push.
Japan reiterated its request to be exempt from the auto tariffs after Washington announced 25% tariffs on automobiles and auto parts without “US content.”
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Japan’s auto sector makes “big contributions to US economy” and US trade restrictions could negatively impact bilateral trade relations, the global economy and the multilateral trading system.
“We will carefully examine the impact on Japan and will continue to strongly call for an exemption,” he said, according to Kyodo News Agency.
Tokyo had asked to be exempt from Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum before his auto tariffs emerged.
"We must consider steps to respond appropriately. We have all possible options on the table," said Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.