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U.S.: Japan Has Long Way To Go To Open Markets

The top U.S. trade official says Japan still has a long way to go before it can say its markets are open.U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman has told reporters on Friday that the Japanese market remains closed off in important ways, and he is mindful of the historical difficulties in opening it up.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The top U.S. trade official says Japan still has a long way to go before it can say its markets are open.

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman has told reporters on Friday that the Japanese market remains closed off in important ways, and he is mindful of the historical difficulties in opening it up. Still Froman says he hopes Japan's recent entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations will provide opportunities to tear down barriers to U.S. and other foreign imports.

In particular, Froman mentioned autos. It's been one of the thorniest issues in U.S.-Japan trade relations. Froman says all foreign penetration of the Japanese auto market is only 6 percent.

He spoke ahead of a trip to Japan and Brunei that will revolve around the trade deal negotiations.

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