Japan and the United States have agreed to the broad outlines of a trade agreement, Japan's top trade negotiator, Toshimitsu Motegi, suggested Friday, as the two countries work to seal a deal by the end of September.

"We've been able to see major progress," Motegi told reporters in Washington following a three-day meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Motegi also said gaps no longer exist in their views, apparently referring to tariff cuts in key sectors such as beef and automobiles. He did not provide further details.

"These ministerial talks will probably be the last (toward a trade deal)," Motegi said.