May 11, 2007

 

Japan lashes at US trade report barriers; restrictions on US beef imports remain

 

 

Japan will still adhere to its restrictions on US beef imports as it reacted to the current US report on its trade barriers wherein Japanese officials termed it as "inaccurate".

 

In the 2007 National Trade Estimate report released last month by the US Trade Representative (USTR), Japan was among 63 trading partners mentioned and has received the third most coverage with 31 pages reviewing its trade policies.

 

Japan's strict regulations on US beef imports -- imposed due to concerns over mad cow disease -- were among the barriers the USTR cited in its report.

 

The USTR is required by the Bush administration as a way of informing the Congress of its priorities and its effort to break down detrimental trade barriers.  

 

Japan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that though the two governments have carried on a constructive dialogue, the report still contains "inaccurate or unilateral descriptions".

 

The ministry confirmed that Japan has submitted its reactions to the report to the US government on Wednesday (May 9).

 

Japan only allows cuts from cattle 20 months old or younger, which it deems safe. Washington, however, has been urging Tokyo to fully open its markets to all beef deemed safe under World Organization for Animal Health guidelines.

 

In turn, the Japanese government said in its comments, available on the Foreign Ministry's Web site that "every country is allowed to introduce or maintain more severe sanctions than international standards if there is a scientifically justifiable reason."

 

Japan had been the top destination for US beef, importing US$1.4 billion worth a year before its ban three years ago.

 

The Japanese government will seek the "correct understanding" of the US about Japanese positions expressed in the comments through bilateral forums, the ministry said its statement.