US President Donald Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum imports are causing concern in Japan and elsewhere in Asia.
Tokyo faces tariffs for the first time in the president's second term. The levies come despite Japan's plea for an exemption.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Wednesday accused Japan and China of dumping steel. He said they're overproducing the metal and selling it "dirt cheap" to drive American makers out of business.
Japan has previously been granted a duty-free quota for steel imports to the US.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa said on Wednesday, "It is regrettable that in spite of Japan's requests to be excluded, additional tariffs have been introduced in a way that does not exempt Japan."
Japan's top government spokesperson said the wide range of trade restrictions could have a big impact on economic ties between the two countries -- and the world economy.
The next focus may be automobiles -- an area the Japanese government sees as the most important. Last month, Trump said he plans to slap tariffs of about 25 percent on imported automobiles around April.
The new duties are also raising concerns in Thailand, the largest Southeast Asian exporter of aluminum to the US.
A Thai company that exports sheet aluminum for cans to America is considering developing new sales channels in neighboring Asian countries, India and the Middle East.
General manager Teerapun Pimtong said it's difficult for all manufacturers in Thailand to adapt to the new reality. He called for support from the government.
The company also worries tit-for-tat tariffs between Washington and Beijing could intensify its competition with Chinese products flowing into Thailand.