Tough talks on cars, currency to dominate U.S.-Japan negotiations

摘要

The U.S. and Japan are headed for difficult negotiations on autos and currency commitments, among other issues, in negotiations for a bilateral trade deal that could jeopardize cooperation between the two countries in dealing with China, sources tell Inside U.S. Trade. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, long wary of entering into bilateral negotiations with the U.S, agreed to begin them in late September amid sustained threats of Section 232 tariffs on Japanese cars. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer notified Congress on Oct. 16 of the administration's intent to begin those negotiations. By law, the USTR must consider stakeholder input in formulating its negotiating objectives, and a public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 10.