Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in Washington yesterday. Jiji news agency reported that currency was not discussed during the trade meeting. Motegi also told reporters there was no demand from US regarding auto import restrictions. Additionally, two sides did not have detailed discussions over agriculture and autos.
Japan Finance Minister Taro Aso met US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in Washington yesterday too. Aso said he warned Mnuchin currency and monetary policy must not be included in trade talks. Mnuchin mentioned before that he’d like to include a provision to deter currency manipulation in the trade pact with Japan. Aso said he told Mnuchin directly that “Japan cannot agree to any debate linking trade policy with monetary policy”. Also, “Japan won’t discuss exchange-rate matters in the context of trade talks.”
