Takaichi to Emphasize Purchases of U.S. Goods at Summit with Trump

Tokyo, Oct. 23 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government is preparing to highlight progress in purchasing U.S.-made liquefied natural gas, soybeans and automobiles at the upcoming summit between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, it was learned Thursday. The administration of Takaichi, who took office this week, aims to underscore its pro-U.S. stance by demonstrating its commitment to swiftly and faithfully implementing the Japan-U.S. trade agreement reached earlier this year. Under the bilateral agreement, Japan will annually purchase approximately 7 billion dollars’ worth of U.S. energy products, including LNG, and 8 billion dollars’ worth of agricultural goods. Japan’s purchases are expected to help U.S. farmers cope with China’s reduction of soybean imports. Japan is also considering buying U.S.-made automobiles for official use, although this is not included in the agreement. While the two countries have agreed to relax the safety certification procedures for automobiles shipped from the United States to Japan, the possible purchases of U.S. automobiles, possibly pickup trucks, are expected to directly help reduce the U.S. trade deficit. During his visit to Japan from Monday, Trump is expected to attend a signing ceremony for the trade agreement. The Japanese side is finalizing the details of its 550-billion-dollar investment and loan offer to the United States. The investment and loan offer is aimed at strengthening supply chains in the United States. Japan will also promote related initiatives. Additionally, the two governments will seek new cooperation in the field of cybersecurity. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]