TOKYO/SEOUL (Reuters) -Shares of Japanese, South Korean and European automakers surged on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to a trade deal with Tokyo that included reducing tariffs on Japanese auto imports to 15%, a move that stoked optimism about a similar agreement for Seoul and Brussels.

Seoul will take a close look at the terms of a U.S.-Japan trade deal, South Korea's industry minister said on Wednesday, holding out the prospect of greater cooperation in the energy and industrial sectors ahead of key trade talks in Washington.

South Korea and the US reaffirmed their commitment to pursue a mutually beneficial trade agreement ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline when duties are set to rise, the Asian nation’s industry ministry said.