Ministers make case against US tariff plans

March 2, 2018

Tokyo- Japanese cabinet ministers argued Friday against US plans to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, saying that Japanese products do not threaten the national security of the United States.

"Steel and aluminum imports from the US ally of Japan will never affect US security," trade minister Hiroshige Seko told a press conference, indicating his intention to convey this message to the United States.

Foreign Minister Taro Kono made similar remarks and added that he believes US import regulations will be consistent with World Trade Organization rules.

US President Donald Trump expressed Thursday his intention to impose import tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum, citing security reasons.

Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said that the United States faces a big problem from its trade deficit with China. The government will watch closely how the US plans affect the world economy as well as the Japanese economy, Motegi said.

Finance Minister Taro Aso declined to make any comment on the possible effects of the US plans on the yen's exchange rates. Jiji Press