Japan is eager to restart free trade negotiations with South Korea, stalled since late 2004, and “needs” to consider a trade agreement with the US, officials in Tokyo said on Tuesday.

The calls came after the signing of a landmark trade deal on Monday between South Korea and the US that will see 95 per cent of tariffs eliminated between the two countries in the next three years. They highlight Japan’s concern that it could be left out by a growing number of bilateral trade deals.