Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Wednesday Japan has formally asked the United States for an exemption of Trump administration 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Japan made the request through its embassy in Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump removed the exceptions and exemptions from his 2018 tariffs on steel imports to a minimum of 25%, while hiking aluminum tariffs to 25% from 10%. Read More: What Are Tariffs and Why Is Trump In Favor of Them?

Japan industry minister Yoji Muto said on Wednesday the nation has requested that the United States exempt Japan from steel and aluminium tariffs.

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

The measures announced by Trump are part of his aggressive push to reset global trade in the belief that tax hikes on foreign-made products will strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Australias Trade Minister Don Farrell reaffirmed that the country increased aluminium exports to the U.S. with Washingtons approval, addressing concerns over a potential exemption from U.S. tariffs on steel and

Japan and Australia are urging the U.S. to exempt them from the impending tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. These tariffs, set by President Trump, are scheduled to be reinstated next month on allied nations.