Japan's government plans to keep pressuring the Trump administration to be excluded from a 25-percent additional tariff on auto imports and some vehicle parts.



Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on Thursday gave the instruction to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa and Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi.



Iwaya is hoping to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and ask him directly for an exemption.



Iwaya plans to remind Rubio that the auto industry is key for Japan, and that the country's massive investments have contributed to the US economy and jobs.



The new tariffs also target engine and electrical parts. The government plans to assess the impact on the industry and discuss countermeasures, such as assistance to parts makers.



Meanwhile, South Korea's government said it will announce emergency responses to the US tariffs to minimize the impact on the auto industry there.



Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun made the remarks in an emergency meeting with local car makers, including Hyundai Motor and Kia Motor.



He said, "About 50 percent of South Korea's auto exports are to the US. Our government plans to announce measures for the auto industry by the end of April."



He also said the government will continue to negotiate with the US to minimize the damage to local firms.



According to the Korea International Trade Association, South Korea exported about 35 billion dollars' worth of vehicles to the US in 2024.



The figure accounted for almost half the country's total auto exports for the year.