Minister for Economic and Fiscal Policy Akira Amari is saying that an agreement between Japan and America on the Trans-Pacific Partnership seems unlikely.

U-S Acting Deputy Trade Representative Wendy Cutler met with lead Japanese negotiators yesterday in Tokyo.

Sticking points include trading terms for five major agricultural commodities and cars.

The two nations are key to establishing the 12-nation partnership.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will attempt to bridge the gap when they meet on Thursday.