Japan's Ishiba eyes tariff deal with US during G-7 summit

"We will further advance discussions, with the G-7 summit in mind," Ishiba told reporters during his visit to Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, western Japan, after the two countries held the third round of ministerial tariff negotiations Friday.

In a recent telephone conversation, Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to continue efforts so that they can strike a deal on the issue when they meet on the sidelines of the G-7 summit.

"The United States is interested in whether U.S. warships can be repaired in Japan," Ishiba said, showing a readiness to provide such assistance as part of proposed bilateral cooperation in the area of shipbuilding.

"Japan has an advantage in icebreaker technologies," he stated, adding that this area, including the issue of Arctic shipping routes, will become more important.

Ishiba also talked about the ministerial tariff talks. "There were concrete discussions, and progress was also seen," he said, referring to trade expansion, nontariff barriers and economic security cooperation.

Regarding Trump's social media post showing his intention to approve a "partnership" between Nippon Steel Corp. and United States Steel Corp., Ishiba said he will wait for an official announcement by the U.S. government.