Strong demand for steel worldwide has helped Japanese producer Nippon Steel offset the impact of US tariffs imposed on its exports . Despite the extra costs , over 90 % of its US customers are continuing to buy products such as steel and steel pipes , due to their specialised expertise , according to executive vice - president Katsuhiro Miyamoto . US exports account for just 4 % of the company 's sales , with 80 % going to Asia . Kato/File Photo Japan is among the top 10 steel exporters to the United States which in March began imposing a 25-percent tariff on steel imports, aimed at curbing purchases from China. Overall , Japan 's steel exports to the US recovered in April , rising by 13 % , after dropping by 40 % in March .
Strong demand for steel worldwide has helped Japanese producer Nippon Steel offset the impact of US tariffs imposed on its exports . Despite the extra costs , over 90 % of its US customers are continuing to buy products such as steel and steel pipes , due to their specialised expertise , according to executive vice - president Katsuhiro Miyamoto . US exports account for just 4 % of the company 's sales , with 80 % going to Asia . Overall , Japan 's steel exports to the US recovered in April , rising by 13 % , after dropping by 40 % in March .