Japan seeks exemption from U.S. steel, aluminum tariffs

Japan on Wednesday requested that its steel and aluminum products be exempt from 25 percent tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who vowed to put the penalties into effect next month, the government's top spokesman said.Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the government formally requested the exemption through the Japanese Embassy in the United States.Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who met with Trump last week, said in parliament, "We will take necessary measures, including lobbying the United States for an exemption, while closely monitoring any possible impact on the…READ FULL ARTICLE