When Tokyo's top trade negotiator met U.S. President Donald Trump for tariff talks at the White House earlier this month, he presented him with a gold-coloured piggy bank.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington is "very close" to reaching a deal with Japan amid ongoing negotiations concerning US tariffs, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The White House is now negotiating trade deals with dozens of countries after President Donald Trump paused the worst of his sweeping tariffs for 90 days, with negotiators from Japan visiting the White House on Wednesday, as foreign countries suggest the pause will give them breathing room as they seek to reach deals with the Trump administration.