
TOKYO -- American and Japanese trade negotiators have reaffirmed plans to initially discuss goods at upcoming formal talks in keeping with a previous commitment, it was learned Thursday.
Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's point man for trade negotiations with Washington, saw eye to eye with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on the matter in a mid-December call. This apparently marked the first time the two had spoken by phone since late September.