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Japan, U.S. plan 1st round of trade talks in late July in Washington

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Regardless of TPP, Australia also has a separate bilateral agreement with Japan, that could be the envy of many countries.

The answer is pretty simple. Australia does not have the capacity to kill Japans manufactured goods in Japans domestic market. We don't make cars. We don't make anything of consequence and therefore we are no threat to Japan Inc. America on the other hand is a different story.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

zichi,

My wife also has hives, so I understand how careful your wife must be to avoid food additives.

Unfortunately the many trade barriers that Japan has in place for food additives were not put in place to protect your wife or mine. They are put in place to protect Japan's food industry.

My forty-foot container of assorted pie fillings for my bakeries is a story in it's self for protectionism. Colors and additives used by the American processor where not approved by the Japanese government, only Japanese approved food colors and additives. Each fruit pie filling a different color also a different label. All of this drove up the cost. Actually the American food processor told me, they do not want my business any more.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

So, basically the definition of protectionism.

Japan exercises an hypocrisy that is no different to many countries. The ideas of free and fair trade is a step in the right direction in a world where everyone implemented it evenly, but clearly that doesn't happen when indirect impediments are put in the way, as Ray has mentioned and you have countries like China that see hacking and industrial espionage as completely routine.

Two of the latest examples to add to a very long list of state sponsored Chinese hacking.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-06/chinese-hackers-infilitrate-anu-it-systems/9951210

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2018/07/133_251708.html

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Thank you Matt, among my imports, I have imported by air from Australia for the US military, assorted vegetables, fruit juice and cheese, from new Zealand 'Turner and Growers' tomatoes and strawberries. After having to destroy some products upon entry into Japan, I gave up.

Japan has in place, requirements with low tolerances, some times called hidden trade barriers, that make imports difficult and expensive for entry into Japan, thus driving up the cost.

I have also destroyed surface shipments of roasted coffee beans from the US. The Japanese governments tolerance for ascorbic acid is so low, the shipments have expired upon arrival. No doubt the Japanese government wants green coffee beans to be roasted in Japan.

Will be interesting to see how Japan reacts with what is a tentative step towards the elimination of tariffs on cars at the global level since the agreement between Trump and German car makers, one which Merkel said she could support the idea of "lowering tariffs", not eliminating them, but just maybe it could go that far.

Japan should welcome it, even it means more Fords and BMW's on Japanese roads. Japanese car manufacturers are very strong. Australia is wall to wall Toyota, Mazda and increasingly Kia etc. Thailand is wall to wall Toyota, Isuzu and some Ford. Providing Japanese companies can keep coming to the market with a steady stream of new tech and I say this they are pushing Toyota hybrids in Australia atm, then I see no reason for Japan to reject this move towards lowering or eliminating car tariffs. They have a big reputation advantage and since manufacturing in places like Thailand a cost advantage as well that is not going to be easy for anyone to overcome, including China.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

What else will abe surrender? Cars?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Ray: "Why is it, that Japan does not want a bilateral trade agreement with the US, that is fair to both countries? What is Japan afraid of?"

Matt: The answer is pretty simple. Australia ... are no threat to Japan Inc.

So, basically the definition of protectionism.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Thank you Matt, among my imports, I have imported by air from Australia for the US military, assorted vegetables, fruit juice and cheese, from new Zealand 'Turner and Growers' tomatoes and strawberries. After having to destroy some products upon entry into Japan, I gave up.

Japan has in place, requirements with low tolerances, some times called hidden trade barriers, that make imports difficult and expensive for entry into Japan, thus driving up the cost.

I have also destroyed surface shipments of roasted coffee beans from the US. The Japanese governments tolerance for ascorbic acid is so low, the shipments have expired upon arrival. No doubt the Japanese government wants green coffee beans to be roasted in Japan.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

zichi, you are right about the importance of reading labels. Look at cranberry aid. The label has a beautiful picture of only cranberries, yet the number one ingredient is grape.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Japan, U.S. plan 1st round of trade talks in late July in Washington

Regarding US Japan trade talks the US will stay out of TPP, that cleverly orchestrated by Japan seeking allies to help Japan maintain unfair trade status-quo.

The US must insist upon a one on one bilateral free trade agreement that is fair to both countries.

Many countries have bilateral trade agreements with Japan, such as Australia, that is also in TPP.

Regardless of TPP, Australia also has a separate bilateral agreement with Japan, that could be the envy of many countries.

The question is,

"Why is it, that Japan does not want a bilateral trade agreement with the US, that is fair to both countries? What is Japan afraid of?"

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

 I see no reason for Japan to reject this move towards lowering or eliminating car tariffs.

Already no tariffs on imported cars on Japanese roads.   It is US that puts tariffs on Japanese cars in US.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

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