Friday, June 20, 2014

Japan pressured to make agriculture concessions

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.