US decision to proceed with steel, aluminum tariff 'regrettable', Japan says

TOKYO, March 12 (Reuters) - Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Wednesday the United States decision to proceed with imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum was "regrettable" despite Japan's request for an exemption.

"Despite the fact that Japan has explained its concerns to the U.S. at various levels and has requested that Japan be excluded from the measures, it is regrettable that the imposition of additional tariffs has begun without Japan being excluded," Hayashi, the top government spokesperson, said.

Japan and the U.S. will communicate closely over auto tariffs, Hayashi said.