“As such, the government must take all available means” to cushion the economic blow from US tariffs, such as offering funding support for domestic firms and taking measures to protect jobs, Ishiba told parliament.

Ishiba said Trump’s decision to slap tariffs on imports from Japan was “extremely disappointing and regrettable,” adding that Japan will continue to explain that it had done nothing unfair to the US.

Ishiba also said he was willing to visit the US for a meeting with Trump as soon as possible. “But in doing so, we must ready a package of steps on what Japan could do,” he added.

Trump’s decision to slap a 25% levy on auto imports, and a reciprocal 24% tariff on other Japanese goods, is expected to deal a huge blow to Japan’s export-heavy economy with analysts predicting the higher duties could knock up to 0.8% off economic growth.