Japan's trade minister fails to win US assurances on tariff exemptions
[March 11, 2025] By
MARI YAMAGUCHI
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s trade minister said this week that he has failed to
win assurances from U.S. officials that the key U.S. ally will be exempt
from tariffs, some of which take effect on Wednesday.
Yoji Muto was in Washington for last ditch negotiations over the tariffs
on a range of Japanese exports including cars, steel and aluminum.
Muto said Monday in Washington that Japan, which contributes to the U.S.
economy by heavily investing and creating jobs in the United States,
“should not be subject to” 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum and auto
exports to America.
His meetings with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Trade
Representative Jamieson Greer and White House economic advisor Kevin
Hassett came just two days before the steel and aluminum tariffs are due
to take effect. President Donald Trump has also said a possible 25%
tariff on imported foreign autos could take effect in early April.
Muto said the U.S. officials acknowledged Japanese contributions and
agreed to continue talks, but did not approve his request for Japan's
exemption from the steep import duties.
“We did not receive a response that Japan will be exempt,” Muto told
reporters. “We must continue to assert our position.”
As Trump's tariff threats have triggered tensions and vows of
retaliation from Canada, Mexico and China, Japan has been working to
firm up ties with other countries.
Last week, the foreign and trade ministers from Japan and Britain
gathered in Tokyo for their first “two-plus-two” economic dialogue. They
agreed to stand up for “fair, rules-based international trade,” though
nobody directly mentioned Trump.
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Japanese Trade Minister Yoji Muto speaks during a news conference on
the tariffs of Japanese exports including cars and steel, in
Washington, Monday, March 10, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP)
 Japan depends heavily on exports and
the auto tariffs would hurt, because vehicles are its biggest export
and the United States is their top destination.
“Clearly companies in Japan are very concerned,” said Rintaro
Nishimura, political analyst and associate at Japan Practice of The
Asia Group. “Obviously the auto is the crown jewel for Japan,
especially in the context of these tariffs." He says they are
concerned also because the Trump administration is carrying it out
in just two months after taking office.
Trump also has criticized Japan’s contributions to the two
countries’ mutual defense arrangements, adding to tensions with
Tokyo.
Muto said the two sides agreed to keep discussing to find ways to
establish a “win-win” relationship that would serve national
interests of both countries.
The two sides also discussed energy cooperation, including joint
development of liquefied natural gas reserves in Alaska, which Trump
and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed on during Ishiba's visit to
the White House in February.
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Associated Press video journalist Mayuko Ono contributed.
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