FRANKFURT/TOKYO—Data recently published by the International Federation of Robotics indicates that Japan is delivering 45 percent of the global supply of industrial robots, making it number one in the world.

TOKYO—Japan has signed off on a $338 million semiconductor research project to develop cutting-edge chip technology in the country with the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

GRIFFIN, GA — Mitsui Kinzoku Die-Casting Technology America, Inc., a Japanese-based automotive parts manufacturer, will build a $20 million manufacturing facility here. The project is expected to create more than 30 new jobs.

WASHINGTON—The White House last Friday laid out objectives for trade talks with Japan, setting the clock for them to begin as early as Jan. 20, as the administration seeks to slash the United States' $69 billion trade deficit with the world's third-biggest economy. According to the document, the United States is aiming to secure duty-free market access for American industrial products and reduce or eliminate tariffs for U.S. agricultural goods.

WASHINGTON—The American Automotive Policy Council, a trade group representing Ford, GM and Fiat Chrysler, is urging the Trump administration to hold off further opening the American market to Japanese cars until Tokyo shows its committment to returning the favor.

WASHINGTON--The Trump administration is advocating for a more balanced trade relationship with Japan as high-level economic talks with the Asian nation advance this week in Washington, according to Vice President Mike Pence.