Japan requests exemption from US steel, aluminum tariffs

Japan industry minister Yoji Muto said on Wednesday the nation has requested that the United States exempt Japan from steel and aluminum tariffs, Reuters reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports on Monday to a flat 25% "without exceptions or exemptions", saying they would aid struggling industries in the U.S.

Trump later said he would give "great consideration" to Australia's request for an exemption to the steel tariffs due to that country's trade deficit with the U.S.

The largest sources of U.S. steel imports are Canada, Brazil and Mexico, followed by South Korea and Vietnam.