A senior US trade official says the United States aims to conclude talks with Japan on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact as soon as possible.

Acting Deputy US Trade Representative Wendy Cutler spoke in Washington on Wednesday.

She said the most difficult issues are at the final stages, and the United States is confident that both sides are committed to reaching an agreement. She said now is a good time to settle the talks.

Cutler went on to say that talks on agricultural tariffs will resume early next month in Washington.

She also added the talks will be held without a deadline in order to achieve the best possible agreement.

American and Japanese negotiators made some progress in working-level talks last week on beef and pork tariffs.

They discussed implementing safeguards, which will allow the Japanese to raise tariffs temporarily if imports surge.

But differences still remain between the two parties.

Source: NHK

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