Japan asks US to drop reciprocal tariffs, calls them regrettable

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 18, 2024. (Mainichi)

TOKYO (Kyodo) — Japan has conveyed its “extreme regret” over the reciprocal tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, urging Washington to retract them, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Wednesday.

Hayashi, the top government spokesman, made the comments hours after a 24 percent reciprocal tariff took effect, despite Japan’s request for an exemption.