By Leika Kihara
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said on Wednesday trade negotiations with the United States could include discussions on foreign exchange rates.
“There has been various communication, including on exchange rates, from the U.S. side, so currency moves could be among themes up for discussion. But specifics have yet to be set,” Kato told parliament.
Kato also said any discussions on exchange rates would be held between the finance chiefs of the two countries.
While not confirmed, Kato is expected to visit Washington later this month when G20 finance leaders gather on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund spring meetings. The visit opens up the chance for Kato to hold his first face-to-face meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to initiate bilateral discussions on tariffs in a telephone meeting on Monday.
While Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa has been appointed as trade negotiator for Japan, Kato is also likely to play a key role in the talks with the United States as his ministry oversees the country’s exchange-rate policy.
Trump has designated Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to oversee trade negotiations with Japan.
(Reporting by Leika Kihara; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
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