Photo/Illutration Trade minister Yoji Muto, second from right, meets with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, second from left, in Washington on March 10. (Provided by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)

WASHINGTON—Trade minister Yoji Muto failed to secure assurances from senior U.S. administration officials that Japan would be spared potentially crippling tariffs planned by President Donald Trump.

Muto held meetings with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett in Washington on March 10.

At a news conference after the meetings, Muto said no decision had been made on tariff exemptions for Japan and that working-level officials from the two countries will hold discussions immediately.

The meetings were held two days before 25-percent tariffs on steel and aluminum products are set to go into effect.

Trump is also expected to announce details of a proposed tariff of about 25 percent on automobiles on April 2, which would deal a serious blow to Japan’s economy. Automotive products account for about 30 percent of Japan’s exports to the United States by value.

In a meeting with Trump on Feb. 7, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized Japan’s contributions to the U.S. economy, such as private-sector investments and job creations.

Muto, who repeated a similar message on March 10, said he gained “some understanding” from the U.S. officials. He asked his U.S. counterparts to exempt Japan from tariffs on steel and aluminum products as well as automobiles.

Muto emphasized that Japan will continue to make its case in future discussions with the United States.

Trump has already imposed steep tariffs on imports from U.S. neighbors Canada and Mexico.

Not only the two countries but also the European Union and South Korea, which have been criticized by Trump, have sent their representatives to Washington for meetings with U.S. administration officials.

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