Japan so far not given Trump tariffs exemption

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Muto said he received no promises from US officials regarding Japan's exemptions from Trump's tariffs, including those on automobile imports.

"We agreed to continue to work closely with the U.S. government," the minister also said, suggesting that Tokyo would seek to advance bilateral working-level talks in a bid to win exemptions.

On Monday, Muto held meetings with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett.

At a press conference after the meetings, Muto said he told the US side that Japan should not be subject to tariff measures, including a tariff of about 25 % on auto imports, which is expected to be introduced in April at the earliest.

The US side stressed the importance of its own manufacturing industry and employment while indicating that it values its relationship with Japan, according to Muto. "I felt that the U.S. side is taking Japan's contribution very seriously," he added.

The auto tariffs of around 25 % would be 10 times the current rate for Japan. If implemented, they are expected to not only put upward pressure on the sales prices of Japanese cars in the United States but also have a significant impact on related industries.

As for Trump's proposed reciprocal tariffs against countries and regions with high tariffs or nontariff barriers, Japan's auto safety standards and rice distribution system may be called into question.

At the press conference, however, Muto said that he did not discuss nontariff barriers with the US officials.

The first Trump administration excluded some countries, including Mexico and Canada, over steel and aluminum tariffs.  

Copyright The Jiji Press

Photo by Reuters