Can Abe convince Trump to exempt Japan from steel tariffs?

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is finalizing details for a summit with US President Donald Trump on April 18 to discuss strategy before a proposed meeting between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and US leaders, a ruling party official said on Wednesday.

Abe will also likely ask Trump to exempt Japan from his steel and aluminum tariffs, said the official, who has been briefed on the matter and asked not to be identified.

Abe, speaking at a parliamentary committee, said Japanese steel products were helping to make US auto makers more competitive and cheaper for American consumers.

"Protectionism, at first glance, appears to benefit a nation which exercises it, but it is not necessarily so," Abe said.

"Japan wants to be a flag-bearer to promote a free trade which will bring a win-win situation to each nation."

His finance minister, Taro Aso, echoed that view and said some of responsibility for the trade imbalance rested with the United States.

"I understand the US position that it cannot continue with a trade deficit, but the United States itself should make efforts," Aso told the same committee.

The meeting between Abe and the US leader is expected to be held at Trump's Mar-a-Largo retreat in Florida, according to the source.

DPRK's Kim Jong Un is set to meet ROK President Moon Jae-in in April and then possibly Trump in May.

(REUTERS)