Japan 's government said Wednesday it asked the U.S. to exclude it from 25% steel and aluminum tariffs, a change from duty-free quotas that Tokyo was given previously. Japan made the request through its embassy in Washington after U.

Japan industry minister Yoji Muto said on Wednesday the nation has requested that the United States exempt Japan from steel and aluminium tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump substantially raised tariffs on steel and aluminium imports on Monday to a flat 25% "without exceptions or exemptions",

US President Donald Trump has signed executive orders to impose 25 percent tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum starting March 12.