Japan, US at odds over 'safeguard' in TPP talks

Officials from Japan and the United States have yet to break the deadlock over bilateral issues in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade talks.

They failed to narrow their differences over "safeguard" protection measures on beef and pork in the latest working-level talks that ended in Washington on Friday.

Japan's deputy chief negotiator Hiroshi Oe and Acting Deputy US Trade Representative Wendy Cutler attended the 2-day meeting.

The focus of the talks was a plan to significantly cut Japanese import tariffs on beef and pork on the condition that the safeguard measures will be introduced.

The measures allow a temporary tariff increase when imports surge.
Oe told reporters there is no doubt that the safeguard is a major issue. He said what the 2 sides can do is limited after engaging in long, harsh negotiations. He added the path toward an agreement appears lengthy.

Oe said the 2 sides will meet again in Tokyo around late June.

The 2 governments will hold another round of working-level talks on the issue of auto market liberalization soon in Washington.

May 31, 2014

Source: NHK