WASHINGTON – Talks resumed on May 29 between Japan and the United States to settle differences over Japan's tariffs on beef, pork and other farm produce in a US-led Pacific free-trade initiative,Kyodo News Internationalreports.

Japan proposed lowering tariffs on pork and beef while asking the United States to allow Japan to introduce safeguard measures if imports from the US of the products drastically increase, according to the report.

In addition to beef and pork, Japan indicated it will retain tariffs on rice, wheat, dairy products and sugar. Both countries also have differences over a US request for Tokyo to open up its automotive market by lifting non-tariff barriers such as safety regulations.