U.S. makes no promises on tariff exemptions for Japan's steel in trade talks

Japan Trade minister Muto, U.S. economic council head Hasset pledge cooperation

20250311 METI's Muto meets U.S. commerce secretary Howard Lutnick

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto (right) met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on March 11. (METI)

March 11, 2025 11:04 JST

WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Japanese trade minister Yoji Muto met Monday with his U.S. counterparts to seek exemptions from new tariffs that President Donald Trump plans to impose on steel, automobiles and other imports, but he did not secure any assurances from them that Japan would be treated differently.

Muto held separate talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, two days before Trump's 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports are due to take effect.