UPDATE - Japan seeks exemption from Trump's steel, aluminum tariffs

UPDATES WITH REMKARS FROM AUSTRALIA, SOUTH KOREA; MINOR EDITS

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Japan on Wednesday said that they requested the US to exempt Tokyo from 25% tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the government made the request through the Japanese Embassy in the US.

Trade Minister Yoji Muto told reporters that they are closely monitoring any possible impact from the latest US tariffs.

"We will take firm and necessary measures while closely monitoring any possible impact on Japanese companies," Muto said.

On Monday, Trump announced a global-level imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Separately, Australia said it would boost green aluminum exports and hoped the Trump administration's tariffs would not affect it.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also spoke to Trump and said that the latter agreed to consider exempting Canberra from steel and aluminum tariffs.

Meanwhile, South Korea has also sought talks with the US side to discuss its impact.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has called for an "export strategy meeting" next week to discuss measures to minimize the impact of US tariffs, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

"Uncertainty in the global trade environment is increasing," Choi said.

South Korea’s exports account for around 11% of Washington's steel imports and the new tariffs announced by Trump will become effective on March 12.