The U.S. and Japan opened auto parts trade talks.

U.S. officials hope the negotiations will lead to the opening of Japan’s $30-billion auto parts market to U.S. manufacturers. At present, U.S. auto parts companies supply less than 1% of that market, according to U.S. negotiators. American parts makers reportedly are unable even to obtain most specifications needed to make parts for Japanese automobiles. Japanese officials, however, have insisted that there are no structural impediments to the importing of foreign car parts. The U.S. and Japanese teams agreed to set up working-level discussions to be held every two months. The first is to be convened Friday.