Japan has raised concerns over Washington’s decision to impose steel and aluminum tariffs on its exports, warning that the measures risk undermining the $145 billion bilateral economic relationship and destabilizing global trade systems.
At a press briefing Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi called it "regrettable" that the U.S. excluded Japan from exemptions to its 25% tariffs, calling Japanese products "essential" for U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. Over 1.1 million tonnes of Japan’s steel exports went to the U.S. in 2024, accounting for 4% of total U.S. steel imports.
"Our high-quality materials are not a national security threat to the U.S. but rather irreplaceable inputs for critical industries," Hayashi stressed, highlighting how Japanese firms contribute to American employment and industrial growth. Vehicles, including those from Toyota, represent a third of Japan’s U.S.-bound exports, with ripple effects on supply chains spanning auto parts to semiconductors.
Economy Minister Yoji Muto’s recent visit to Washington failed to secure relief, though U.S. officials reportedly acknowledged Japan’s economic importance. Talks continue amid Tokyo’s push for exemptions before broader vehicle tariffs take effect. Analysts warn prolonged trade friction could disrupt Asia’s export-driven economies and strain a key Pacific alliance.
