Trump said it will control the import of steel and aluminum into Japan or into one of the objects

U.S. President Trump said at a cabinet meeting held at the White House on the 12th of this month that a large amount of imported steel and aluminum has caused great losses to domestic industries and considered it necessary to control imports.

He also said that "specific measures will be announced in the near future." The U.S. Department of Commerce may consider it an option to impose restrictions on imports and high tariffs.

Japanese media pointed out that if concrete measures are taken, Japan, which exports steel and aluminum to the United States, may also be the target. The protectionist trade policies introduced under the U.S. domestic law will inevitably cause criticism from various countries.

It is understood that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ross, in accordance with Article 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act, has determined that large quantities of imports pose a threat to national security and he intends to propose to Trump control of imports in the near future. The reason behind this is that the large amount of imports will lead to a decline in the productivity of US companies that manufacture warplanes and warships, and reduce employment.

According to U.S. media, there are also opinions within the U.S. government that oppose control of imports.

White House Spokesman Spicer said at a press conference on the 12th that Ross is expected to propose specific measures this week. According to an analysis, Trump will initiate specific measures based on Ross's proposal. He emphasized at the cabinet meeting that “(overseas companies) selling at inappropriately low prices (products) will take away jobs from US steel companies”.

The report pointed out that Trump’s tough stance on trade policy may also be intended to divert the attention of the nationals to the doubts surrounding the President’s “passing through Russia” and hopes to restore the support rate.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, steel imports from the United States increased by 25.6% from the previous month in March. It is reported that aluminum imports increased by 18% year-on-year in 2016.