Toshimitsu Motegi, the economy minister, informed reporters he had affirmed this by speaking with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

 

The comments couldn't immediately be confirmed after office hours in the U.S. Earlier, media reports said this was a possibility.

 

Autos are an important issue in trade talks between the two countries that started after President Donald Trump pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade bloc. Japan is part of the TPP and has a trade contract with the European Union.

 

The trade surplus with the U.S. has long been a sticking point in bilateral relations. Trump is set to visit Japan later this month.

 

The administration sees the threat of the auto tariffs and different restrictions as a technique to acquire leverage over trading partners such as the European Union and Japan in ongoing trade talks.

 

A decision on whether the White House will impose tariffs on autos from Europe is due by Saturday. CNBC, quoting nameless sources, earlier revealed that the administration was close to announcing a postponement of the auto tariffs for up to six months.

 

This article is originally posted on TRONSERVE.COM