Economic revitalization minister Toshimitsu Motegi indicated Friday that he has requested that the United States exempt Japan from a controversial plan to impose stiff tariffs on car and parts imports.
"I made it clear to the U.S. side that it is indispensable for Japan and the United States to ensure confidence building in trade policy," Motegi said after a two-day meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in the first round of ministerial trade talks in Washington.
"We agreed to continue consultations based on the relationship of trust," Motegi told reporters.