NHK reported this morning that USTR Lighthizer and Economic Revitalization Minister Motegi started talks in Washington on Thursday afternoon after three days of working-level and subcabinet-level meetings on bilateral trade this week. Ahead of the meeting, Motegi told reporters that the working-level officials had “very meaningful” discussions and that he and the USTR would like to build on these discussions. NHK noted that Japan is aiming to reach a package deal on tariffs on agricultural products, autos, and other goods through steady working-level talks but the two sides remain apart on tariff levels and the U.S. favors reaching a deal at the ministerial level.