UK begins talks with Japan for post-Brexit trade deal

The UK will today begin talks with Japan in a bid to reach an agreement on a deal for trading after Brexit.

Discussions will initially be held via video link between International Trade Secretary Liz Truss and Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi.

Currently, the UK has an agreement with Japan through the European Union, which will end on January 1 2021.

After that date, the two countries will automatically revert to World Trade Organization trading terms.

The talks with Japan come as the UK prepares to negotiate trade deals with countries around the world, and follows the launch of official talks with the US last month.

Ms Truss commented: “We aim to strike a comprehensive free trade agreement that goes further than the deal previously agreed with the EU, setting ambitious standards in areas such as digital trade and services.

“This deal will provide more opportunities for businesses and individuals across every region and nation of the UK and help boost our economies following the unprecedented economic challenges posed by coronavirus.”