"The change in the current trade scheme for aluminium and steel would be detrimental to the productive fabric in aggregate terms," the lobby said in its note, adding that Spain's total cast iron and steel exports to the U.S. reached 944 million euros ($977 million) in 2023.

Japan made the request through its embassy in Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump removed the exceptions and exemptions from his 2018 tariffs on steel imports to a minimum of 25%, while hiking aluminum tariffs to 25% from 10%.