TOKYO, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday expressed deep regret over the U.S. decision to impose a 25-percent additional tariff on automobiles, instructing related officials to persistently negotiate for Japan's exemption.
Ishiba held a 50-minute discussion at the Prime Minister's Office with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, and other key officials, according to local media Nikkei.
Following the meeting, Iwaya told reporters that Japan will assess the impact on Japan's industrial sector and appeal through various channels for tariff exemption.
At a press conference on Thursday, Hayashi also condemned the move as "extremely regrettable," warning that it could significantly impact Japan-U.S. economic relations, the global economy, and the multilateral trade system.
The Prime Minister's directive outlined three key measures, including urging the United States to exclude Japan from the tariff measures, assessing the impact on domestic industries and employment while ensuring financial support measures, and coordinating a government-wide response in collaboration with relevant ministers, Nikkei reported. ■
