Japan asks US for exemption from metal tariffs

March 11, 2018

Brussels- Japanese trade minister Hiroshige Seko urged U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Saturday to exempt Japan from the planned U.S. steel and aluminum import tariffs.

At a meeting in Brussels, Lighthizer briefed Seko on the procedures and schedules for the import restrictions but made no direct response to the Japanese request, according to Seko.

At a news conference after the meeting, Seko said he communicated Japan's regret over the tariff plans to Lighthizer. He said he called for the exclusion of Japanese products from the import curbs by noting that Japanese steel and aluminum exports have no adverse effects on the national security of the United States.

Seko also said he plans to continue lobbying the United States to win exemptions.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed orders on Thursday to impose import tariffs of 25 pct on steel and 10 pct on aluminum, saying growing imports pose a threat to U.S. national security. Trump exempted Canada and Mexico from the trade restrictions.

The European Union is planning retaliatory tariffs totaling 2.8 billion euros and a complaint with the World Trade Organization, although European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstroem has said the EU prioritizes dialogue.

At a three-way meeting with Lighthizer and Malmstroem the same day, Seko took a cautious stance on retaliatory action against the U.S. import tariffs and urged the United States and the EU to stop short of tit-for-tat measures, according to a Japanese official familiar with their talks.

Exchanging retaliatory measures would not serve any country's interests, Seko said, adding that it is important to seek a solution in line with WTO rules, according to the official. Jiji Press