U.S., Japan Officials to Hold Trade Talks in Washington

The transcript discusses the trade negotiations between Japan and the US, focusing on the implications of the US not participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). It highlights Japan's readiness to engage in bilateral talks with the US, particularly concerning agricultural market access, which has a ceiling set during previous TPP negotiations. The political challenges faced by Japan's Prime Minister in selling trade deals to constituents are also discussed. The historical context of Japan's involvement in TPP negotiations is provided, along with Japan's current trade position, emphasizing the maximum concessions offered to the US in 2015.

What is the main limitation Japan faces in terms of market access for agricultural products?

• Insufficient agricultural production in Japan

• High tariffs imposed by the US

• A ceiling on market access agreed in previous talks

• Lack of demand in the US market

What was a significant challenge for Japan's Prime Minister regarding the TPP?

• Convincing the US to join the TPP

• Selling the TPP to his constituents

• Negotiating with the EU

• Reducing tariffs on US goods

How did Japan's public react to the decision to join the TPP negotiations?

• There was a national debate

• There was widespread support

• There was no reaction

• There was strong opposition

What is Japan's stance on market access concessions as per the TPP negotiations concluded in 2015?

• Japan is willing to offer more concessions

• Japan will not exceed the maximum concessions agreed in 2015

• Japan has no clear stance

• Japan plans to renegotiate the terms

What year did the TPP negotiations conclude, according to the transcript?

• 2014

• 2013

• 2015

• 2016