The Japanese government is reviewing the expansion of imports of American rice and the simplification of automobile inspections ahead of the second tariff negotiations with the United States.
On the 20th (local time), the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that the Japanese government is considering such alternatives to persuade the United States. This appears to follow the complaints raised by the U.S. side regarding agricultural and automobile trade during a Minister-level meeting on the 16th.
The United States criticized Japan's rice market, stating that "the regulations are strict and not transparent, limiting consumer access for U.S. exporters," based on the trade barriers report released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) at the end of last month.
U.S. President Donald Trump also noted during a meeting with Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa at the White House that he wants to reduce the trade deficit with Japan to zero.
In response, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that proposals to expand imports of American rice are gaining traction within the Japanese government. Given the recent surge in rice prices in Japan, the idea is to temporarily supplement the supply shortage with American rice.
The Japanese government imports about 770,000 tons of rice annually duty-free, with American rice accounting for approximately 45% of that.
Additionally, Japan is reviewing the relaxation of crash test performance standards related to automobile safety standards, which the United States considers to be "non-tariff barriers."
The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that "the United States believes many of the items in tests that verify passenger safety during front and side collisions are cumbersome for Japan, placing a 'disadvantageous burden' on imported vehicles," adding that "the system allowing imports with fewer tests, such as omitting tests using physical vehicles for cars with low annual sales, is also under reconsideration."
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized during an interview with NHK TV that he would ensure that there will be no comments about the unfairness of non-tariff barriers related to automobiles.