Japan Appeals for Tariff Exemption Amid Trade Negotiations

Japan's trade minister Yoji Muto met with U.S. officials, seeking exemption from impending 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium. Despite no assurance of exclusion, both nations agreed to continue discussions. Japan emphasized its role as a key economic partner, while considering increased U.S. LNG purchases and investments.

In the face of looming tariffs, Japan's trade minister Yoji Muto conducted a series of meetings with top U.S. officials in Washington D.C. this week, advocating for an exemption from the hefty 25% toll set to hit steel and aluminium imports as of March 12.

Though he received no guarantees of exemption, Muto reinforced Japan's investment significance in the U.S. economy, arguing the country's role as an indispensable economic ally.

The discussions, which included talks on potential U.S. liquefied natural gas purchases and Nippon Steel's acquisition interests in U.S. Steel, are part of ongoing negotiations to mitigate trade tensions between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)