According to Kyodo News Agency, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yuji Muto held talks with US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in Washington to try to exempt Japan from the Trump administration's proposed tariffs on imports, including cars and steel. However, Muto said that the two sides did not discuss the issue of exemptions, and he failed to obtain any commitments from the US during the negotiations. This means that Japan is likely to be included in the scope of US steel and aluminum tariffs scheduled to take effect on March 12. Muto highlighted the contribution of Japanese companies to US investment and jobs, and confirmed that the two governments will maintain close consultations in the future. The discussions also covered energy cooperation between Japan and the United States, including the liquefied natural gas development project in Alaska. (Jin Ten)