Statement by Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis Regarding Japan and the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Today, Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis announced that the United States has completed its bilateral consultations with Japan regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership ("TPP"), saying:

“Since November 2011, the United States has been engaged in consultations with Japan focused on Japan’s readiness to meet the TPP's high standards for liberalizing trade and investment, and to address specific bilateral issues of concern in the automotive and insurance sectors, as well as other Japanese non-tariff measures.

“The United States and Japan have successfully completed these consultations by concluding a robust package of actions and agreements with Japan in the automotive and insurance sectors, as well as other non-tariff measures. As a result, we are pleased to welcome Japan’s participation in the TPP negotiations pending a consensus agreement among the current TPP members and the completion of our respective domestic processes. Japan’s entry into this important initiative for the Asia-Pacific region will help it to deliver significant economic benefits to the United States, Japan and the Asia-Pacific region."

More information is on the website of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2013/april/amb-marantis-japan-tpp.