US President Donald Trump said his administration will push for a comprehensive free trade agreement with Japan in order to gain wider access to the country's agricultural market.

Trump expressed disappointment over Japanese tariffs for beef and pork, suggesting that his administration will take a tough stance in his trade talks with Tokyo, which are scheduled to begin shortly.

Recalling Tokyo introducing a variable tariff system for imports of beef and pork, the US president suggested that the United States would require further opening of the Japanese agricultural market in the upcoming negotiations. "A number of international competitors, such as Australia, are facing much lower Japanese tariffs. therefore, a free trade agreement with Japan could create a level playing field for US exporters, ”Trump said.

U.S. sales representative Robert Lightheiser said last month that the two governments should begin trade negotiations in March, although they may not start earlier than April or May, as the United States is currently focused on ongoing trade negotiations with China.