22 August

Japan's minister in charge of trade negotiations with the US says he and his US counterpart have yet to bridge their difference.

Toshimitsu Motegi and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer discussed tariffs on farm products and autos for about five hours on Wednesday in Washington.

Motegi told reporters afterward they had narrowed down the points at issue and agreed to speed up their remaining work.

He added the negotiations have been very difficult because both sides have their national interests at stake. He said the discussions have deepened, but a gap remains to be filled.
They are set to meet again on Thursday, in their second round of talks this month.

The Japanese government is believed to be seeking concessions. It says the US must lower tariffs on Japanese industrial exports, such as cars and auto parts, if it wants a more open market for its farm products.

The Japanese and US governments are hoping to reach a deal after two upcoming bilateral summits -- one on the sidelines of a G7 Summit that opens in France on Friday, and the other during a UN General Assembly session in late September.

NHK