Japan is facing heavy pressure to lower its trade barriers
that protect its farmers and food companies.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key says Japan ought to be
thrown out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations if it continues
to cling to protection for its farmers.
Lobbying groups for U.S. farmers, such as its dairy, beef,
pork and rice organizations, have also called for the dismissal of Japan from
the trade talks if it continues to refuse to offer substantial reductions in
its agriculture and food trade barriers.
Key says the other 11 countries involved in the
negotiations, including Canada, could move ahead on their promises to offer
substantial reductions in trade barriers.
The U.S. and Canada are both involved in separate direct
trade negotiations with Japan and these are seen to be important in moving the
Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations ahead.
The TPP negotiations began five years ago without either
Canada or Japan and there were reports of substantial progress before they
joined.
Canada is intent on maintaining protection for dairy and
poultry farmers and processing companies, but wants others to lower their trade
barriers so Canada can sell them more wheat, pork, beef and fruits.
