Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has suggested increasing U.S. corn imports as a potential option in trade negotiations, a move that could be less politically sensitive than increasing rice imports due to the importance of domestic rice producers to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Ishiba also made it clear that Japan would not compromise its agricultural sector, including automobiles, to reduce auto tariffs. The two countries have made some headway in their trade talks, with Japan seeking tariff exemptions on goods exported to the U.S. These negotiations could be influenced by an upcoming agreement between the U.S. and China to reduce mutual tariffs.