The Japanese and U.S. trade chiefs met Saturday in an attempt to advance talks on a bilateral deal ahead of Monday's summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump, but the two sides still remain at odds, Economic revitalization chief Toshimitsu Motegi said.
In fact, no breakthrough was expected from the latest round of negotiations between Motegi, minister for economic and fiscal policy, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, as the countries remain at odds over tariffs on agricultural and industrial products.
"So far, Japan and the U.S. haven't gained common ground. We will work to bridge the gap," Motegi told reporters after the talks. "It is unlikely any trade deal will be reached at the upcoming summit" between Abe and Trump scheduled for Monday.