Tariffs hang over talks

in tense renegotiations of their free-trade deals.

Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, left open the possibility Tuesday that Japan could be included in the tariff exemptions, but he made no promises.

“This is all on the table,” Kudlow said. “That’s why this is such an important meeting.”

Trump told reporters when Abe arrived at Trump’s Florida resort that “Japan is buying a tremendous amount of military equipment from the United States, which is good. And as you know, we’re buying a lot of cars and a lot of other things from Japan. But we are each buying a lot. But we still have to talk about trade, and the prime minister understands that.”

Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., who met with Abe earlier this month, said Japan should be exempted, given its role as an economic and national security partner.

“The Japanese were rather surprised that the president imposed tariffs on Japan because they feel like they’ve been the good kid in class,” Takano said.

Takano said Japanese officials wondered if Trump was just delaying so he could grant it in a later, much grander sign of benevolence.

Abe’s official visit began Tuesday afternoon with a one-on-one meeting and a group discussion with national security officials about Trump’s upcoming summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The president and first lady Melania Trump later hosted Abe and his wife for an al fresco dinner on the Mar-aLago patio.

On Wednesday, the agenda will broaden to include other issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region,and Trump said he and Abe would “sneak out” to play golf.