On Friday, December 22 the U.S. Trade Representative released its negotiating objectives for the upcoming U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement talks. The negotiating objectives are mandated by Congress under the Trade Promotion Authority legislation and kick off a 30 day countdown before formal negotiations can begin. The objectives call for “secure comprehensive market access for U.S. agricultural goods in Japan by reducing or eliminating tariffs” and for the reduction of non-tariff barriers that discriminate against U.S. products.

A copy of the objectives can be found here.