Regarding the announcement by the Japanese government and the U.S. government about Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act

February 9, 2022
Eiji Hashimoto
Chairman
The Japan Iron and Steel Federation

 

On February 8 (Japan time), the U.S. government announced the partial removal of additional tariffs – implementation of tariff-rate quota on steel imports from Japan under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, and in response to that announcement, the Japanese government made a statement by Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The Japanese steel industry has been strongly calling for the complete removal of additional tariffs on steel imports by Section 232 because the Japanese steel products do not impair the national security of the United States.
Although it is regrettable that the agreement between Japan and the United States did not result in the complete removal of the measures, we understand that the partial removal of additional tariffs – implementation of tariff-rate quota is a tentative and partial resolution with the object of securing a level playing field that is not inferior to other countries and regions. We will closely examine the details of the announcement.

The Japanese steel industry deeply respects the efforts made by the Japanese government in the negotiations to date. We strongly expect that the Japanese government will continue to negotiate tenaciously with the U.S. government toward the complete removal of the measures, as well as request for realization of a fair trade system under the new scheme.

 

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