US mulls setting trans-Pacific trade pact without Japan as progress being stymied by Japan's commitments to keep tariffs on hundreds of farm products

Nevin Barich

Nevin Barich

TOKYO , February 25, 2014 () – US mulls setting trans-Pacific trade deal without Japan as progress stymied by farm tariffs

Prospects for a comprehensive trans-Pacific trade pact appeared increasingly uncertain Tuesday as the U.S. and Japan struggle over Tokyo's commitment to keep tariffs on hundreds of farm products.

Japan's top government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, said the two sides were still trying to bridge their differences at the last day of 12-nation talks underway in Singapore.

"Regarding those unresolved issues, I am hoping that the officials who are gathered there will work to the very end," Suga told reporters in Tokyo.

Originally, the members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership had sought to reach a deal by the end of 2013. When that failed, they set their sights on the talks this week in Singapore. Japan's Kyodo News Service reported Tuesday that another round of talks may be required to reach agreement.

The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun said U.S. officials were considering an agreement that might initially exclude Japan after U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and Japan's delegate to the talks, Economy Minister Akira Amari, met twice in Singapore but failed to bridge their differences,

When Japan committed to joining the trade arrangement, it said it would insist on protecting key farm products. The Yomiuri said one option may be to eliminate tariffs on products not imported before 2010.

Differences remain between other countries on issues other than farm products, such as reform of state industries.

AS-image © 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Share:

About Us

We deliver market news & information relevant to your business.

We monitor all your market drivers.

We aggregate, curate, filter and map your specific needs.

We deliver the right information to the right person at the right time.

Our Contacts

1990 S Bundy Dr. Suite #380,
Los Angeles, CA 90025

+1 (310) 553 0008

About Cookies On This Site

We collect data, including through use of cookies and similar technology ("cookies") that enchance the online experience. By clicking "I agree", you agree to our cookies, agree to bound by our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. For more information on our data practices and how to exercise your privacy rights, please see our Privacy Policy.