Given U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for breaking down trade barriers and expanding American exports as part of "fair" international commerce, his administration appears likely to push Japan to further open its agriculture and automobile markets.

Reflecting Trump's preference to handle trade issues bilaterally — focused on reducing U.S. trade deficits and advancing the interests of U.S. industry and American workers under the "America First" policy — U.S. Vice President Mike Pence previously signaled eagerness to pursue a free trade agreement with Tokyo in place of the Trans-Pacific Partnership — the massive 12-nation trade deal Washington ditched in January.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer called Japan "a primary target" for greater market access for U.S. farm products, while William Hagerty, Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to Japan, cited agriculture, defense, manufacturing and energy as key areas for more U.S. exports.