TOKYO -  Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday expressed deep regret over the US decision to impose a 25-percent additional tariff on automobiles, instructing related officials to persistently negotiate for Japan's exemption.

Ishiba held a 50-minute discussion at the Prime Minister's Office with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, and other key officials, according to local media Nikkei.

Following the meeting, Iwaya told reporters that Japan will assess the impact on Japan's industrial sector and appeal through various channels for tariff exemption.

At a press conference on Thursday, Hayashi also condemned the move as "extremely regrettable", warning that it could significantly impact Japan-US economic relations, the global economy, and the multilateral trade system.

The Prime Minister's directive outlined three key measures, including urging the United States to exclude Japan from the tariff measures, assessing the impact on domestic industries and employment while ensuring financial support measures, and coordinating a government-wide response in collaboration with relevant ministers, Nikkei reported.

Meanwhile, Ishiba said Japan will consider an appropriate response against US tariffs on imported automobiles, vowing that all options are on the table.

"We are strongly urging the US not to apply the 25-percent tariff to Japan," Ishiba said in response to a question at the House of Councillors' Budget Committee.

Citing Japan's contributions to the US economy through investment and job creation, Ishiba questioned the fairness of a uniform tariff increase for all countries.

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The US government is set to begin collecting the new tariffs next week, with key automotive components such as engines also included in the scope of the new tariffs.