SOURCE: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 4/15/19

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is scheduled to meet today and Tuesday with Japanese Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The preliminary discussions could shed light on Trump's strategy and goals — an unknown that has left Tokyo scratching its head so far, Pro Trade's Adam Behsudi writes this morning.

— "What is he looking for? What kind of things would he like to have negotiated?" Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso said last week while visiting Washington. "It's not a fact that a list has been presented to us describing what items are being requested."

Ag front and center: With U.S. farmers and ranchers complaining loudly about losing Japanese market share to competitors like Canada and Australia, Trump is expected to push for agriculture concessions similar to those in the TPP, which he withdrew from in 2017.

— A speedy deal on farm goods would be a major boost for Trump ahead of the 2020 elections, given the importance of farmers and ranchers to his reelection hopes.

Japan, in return, could potentially push for greater U.S. market access for its specialty ag products, suggested Darci Vetter, former USTR chief ag negotiator during the Obama administration. The TPP included expanded access for Kobe beef.