TOKYO (AFP) –US-imposed trade tariffs on its close allies could have a “grave impact” on ties and the world trading system, the Japanese government said yesterday, describing the situation as “extremely deplorable”.
Washington found itself isolated at a weekend meeting of G7 finance ministers over its stinging steel and aluminium tariffs and Tokyo kept up the barrage in unusually strong language.
“It is extremely deplorable that the situation has not improved even after Japan has explained to the US its concerns at various levels,” said government spokesman Yoshihide Suga.
Close allies Tokyo and Washington have been at loggerheads over trade policy after the US refused to give Japan an exemption from the tariffs, which came into effect on Friday.
“The US government’s trade measures, citing its security, makes us concerned that they could disrupt the global market,” Mr Suga told reporters.
