TOKYO -- Japan seeks to launch cabinet-level talks on a trade agreement with the U.S. this spring ahead of a bilateral summit in late May, aiming to define the scope of a deal with a focus on automobiles and agricultural goods.
The two sides are arranging meetings in the U.S. in April and May. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will determine the trade deal's range with Japan's point man, Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Meetings initially set to start as early as last month have been delayed as Washington prioritizes trade negotiations with Beijing.
