Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi (L), & U.S Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer (R). (Image: The Japan Times)

Japan & the U.S accelerate bilateral trade talks

WASHINGTON - Meeting in Washington D.C., the capital of the U.S., Japan & the U.S agree to realize bilateral trade deals. They both agree that it should be accelerated for the sake of 2 countries. On Thursday (1/8), the Japanese Minister of Economic Revitalization, Toshimitsu Motegi, met his U.S counterpart, Robert Lighthizer, U.S Trade Representative.

The talks continued since it was being halted by Japan’s Upper House election on 21 July.

Regarding the individual items, Motegi did not comment much, except hinting that the negotiation between the 2 countries was going on the right track.

The bilateral deal talks were triggered by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who stated that he was dissatisfied with the trade surplus between the U.S and Japan, especially in the automotive export. Besides, Trump also wanted Japan to be “generous” regarding its agriculture sectors, such as rice and beef.

That was it for the first day. On the second day, Motegi and Lighthizer would meet again on Friday (2/8) to discuss the trade deal even further. Motegi revealed that they did not wholly agree to certain points during negotiations.

However, both Ministers know that the time is at hand. The deal is expected to be initialed by September should the negotiation be a breeze. Also, the Prime Minister of Japan himself, Shinzo Abe, is expected to meet Trump in September which might be a great booster for the deal.

Source: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-japan-usa-trade/japan-u-s-agreed-to-speed-up-trade-talks-aimed-at-bilateral-deal-idUKKCN1UR5YF?rpc=401&