Japan says its economic importance more clear to U.S. in tariff talks

The United States is increasingly recognizing the importance of Japan for its economy, the Asian country's chief tariff negotiator said Friday, after holding another round of talks with U.S. Cabinet members aimed at an early trade deal.Ryosei Akazawa said he was able to hold "more frank and in-depth discussions" than previously with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, adding it would be "very desirable" for their leaders to reach some kind of agreement next month.Akazawa said he had discussed trade, nontariff barriers and economic se…READ FULL ARTICLE