Japan Asks for Exemption From US Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
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Tokyo asked U.S. President Donald Trump to exclude Japanese companies from his fresh tariffs on steel and aluminum.
The request was made on Feb. 12 Japan time, Trade Minister Yoji Muto told reporters. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also conveyed Tokyo’s vigilance over the matter in separate press conferences, with Hayashi saying the exemption request was made via the embassy in Washington.
The government continues to advise companies about U.S. tariff policies through a consultation service at the Japan External Trade Organization, according to Muto.
“We will continue to carefully examine the impact on Japanese companies and take necessary measures,” Muto said.
#PMinAction: Visit to the United States (February 7, 2025)https://t.co/co32RWkPVi — PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) February 8, 2025
Earlier this week Trump ordered 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports effective from March 12, with no exemptions.
Nippon Export and Investment Insurance, a government-backed insurer, also said Feb. 12 that if Japanese steel companies and trading firms see contracts canceled by U.S. buyers due to the fresh tariffs, it will pay compensation for parts of the lost business. The insurer said it provided the same relief measures following an increase in metal tariffs during the first Trump term.
In 2018, Trump imposed duties on steel and aluminum from its biggest trading partners, including the EU and Japan, citing risks to national security. During Joe Biden’s administration, the U.S. and Japan reached a truce that allowed most steel shipments from the Asian nation to flow tariff-free.
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In 2024, Japan exported 1.1 million tons of steel worth 303 billion yen ($2 billion) and 74,565 tons of non-ferrous metals worth 179 billion yen, including aluminum, to the U.S. They accounted for 1.4% and 0.8% of the total exports to the U.S., respectively.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also broached the tariff issue while testifying in parliament, saying he “would carefully examine the impact of tariffs on Japan and take necessary measures, such as lobbying for exemptions.”
Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, also speaking in parliament, said it would be hard to assess the potential impact from U.S. economic policies at this point.
