Motegi Says U.S. Assured Japan It Won't Seek Car Export Limits
- Remarks run counter to document seen by Bloomberg reporters
- Trump on state visit to Japan next week to meet new emperor
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Japanese Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer had assured him Washington won’t seek restrictions on auto exports -- a nearly $50 billion trade sector that could cloud a state visit next week by President Donald Trump.
Motegi told a press conference in Tokyo on Friday he contacted his counterpart after Bloomberg reported on a draft executive order that people familiar with the matter said Trump is expected to sign this week. Under the proposed deal, the U.S. would give the EU and Japan 180 days to agree to limit auto imports into the U.S. in return for delaying new auto tariffs.