It could take several months before the negotiations begin, it said.

The move is part of US President Donald Trump's efforts to reshape trade policies to support his "America First" agenda.

It comes as the US has been fighting a trade war with China, the world's second largest economy.

"We will continue to expand U.S. trade and investment by negotiating trade agreements with Japan, the EU and the United Kingdom," US trade representative Robert Lighthizer said.

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BBC NEWS