Japan warns that U.S. tariffs could affect their economic relationship
Japan expresses concerns that U.S. tariffs may negatively affect their economic relationship.
TroibNews 
Japan expressed disappointment on Wednesday regarding its lack of exemption from U.S. President Donald Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs, which stand at 25 percent.
When asked about potential retaliatory measures, government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi indicated that discussions between the two countries would continue concerning the details of the tariffs, which took effect at midnight U.S. time.
"Widespread measures to limit trade risk having a significant impact on the Japan-U.S. economic relationship as well as the world economy and multilateral trade system," Hayashi told reporters.
"That Japan was not excluded from the imposition of additional tariffs is regrettable," he added.
In 2024, Japan exported 31.4 million tonnes of steel, with 1.1 million tonnes sent to the United States, representing around four percent of U.S. steel imports, according to Washington.
"Imports of Japanese steel and aluminum products won't harm U.S. national security, but rather, our high-quality products are difficult to replace and essential to strengthening the competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing industry," Hayashi noted.
He also emphasized that Japan's products "are also contributing greatly to U.S. industry and employment."
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto, who was in Washington this week, requested an exemption for Japan from metal and pending vehicle tariffs.
"During Minister Muto's U.S. trip, Washington expressed its position that it considers its relationships with Japan a priority and that Japan's investment in the United States as well as the role it plays in the U.S. economy, such as through employment, are valued," Hayashi said.
Home to automotive giant Toyota, Japan's auto industry significantly affects various sectors, including parts manufacturing, steel production, and microchips. Cars and other vehicles comprised roughly one-third of Japan's 21.3 trillion yen of exports to the U.S. in 2024.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
When asked about potential retaliatory measures, government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi indicated that discussions between the two countries would continue concerning the details of the tariffs, which took effect at midnight U.S. time.
"Widespread measures to limit trade risk having a significant impact on the Japan-U.S. economic relationship as well as the world economy and multilateral trade system," Hayashi told reporters.
"That Japan was not excluded from the imposition of additional tariffs is regrettable," he added.
In 2024, Japan exported 31.4 million tonnes of steel, with 1.1 million tonnes sent to the United States, representing around four percent of U.S. steel imports, according to Washington.
"Imports of Japanese steel and aluminum products won't harm U.S. national security, but rather, our high-quality products are difficult to replace and essential to strengthening the competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing industry," Hayashi noted.
He also emphasized that Japan's products "are also contributing greatly to U.S. industry and employment."
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto, who was in Washington this week, requested an exemption for Japan from metal and pending vehicle tariffs.
"During Minister Muto's U.S. trip, Washington expressed its position that it considers its relationships with Japan a priority and that Japan's investment in the United States as well as the role it plays in the U.S. economy, such as through employment, are valued," Hayashi said.
Home to automotive giant Toyota, Japan's auto industry significantly affects various sectors, including parts manufacturing, steel production, and microchips. Cars and other vehicles comprised roughly one-third of Japan's 21.3 trillion yen of exports to the U.S. in 2024.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
