Japan requests US to exclude Japan from steel and aluminum tariffs

Muto Yoji, Japan’s minister of economy, trade and industry.

Toshifumi Kitamura | Afp | Getty Images

Japan industry minister Yoji Muto said on Wednesday the nation has requested that the United States exempt Japan from steel and aluminum tariffs.

U.S. President Donald Trump substantially raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports on Monday to a flat 25% “without exceptions or exemptions,” saying they would aid struggling industries in the U.S., but which also risk sparking a multi-front trade war.

Trump later said he would give “great consideration” to Australia’s request for an exemption to the steel tariffs due to that country’s trade deficit with the U.S.

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