US-Japan trade talks will bring ‘peace of mind’: Foreign Minister
TOKYO Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said trade talks with the United States will bring peace of mind to farmers and automakers, according to an interview with broadcaster NHK.
Mr Motegi handled talks with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer under his previous role as Economy Minister and is expected to meet him ahead of a summit between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
"(We) have been holding negotiations on the basis of trust," Mr Motegi said.
"I don't have any worry at all about the things ahead."
Mr Trump and Mr Abe are expected to secure a deal on farm tariffs and digital trade when they meet in New York this week.
One unresolved issue relates to auto exports. Mr Motegi has said he wants a written assurance that Mr Trump will not impose tariffs on US-bound auto exports from Japan.
However, any promises arising from this week's talks will still need Mr Trump's final approval, adding uncertainty to the prospects of a deal.
Autos make up about two-thirds of Japan's trade surplus with the US and such tariffs would hurt its trade-reliant economy.
Japanese manufacturers have already come under heavy pressure this year from slowing overseas demand.
- REUTERS
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