Lighthizer Expresses Concern to Japanese Trade Minister Over Safeguard Duties on US Frozen Beef

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Aug. 17 met with and expressed concerns to Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono regarding Japanese safeguard duties on U.S. beef exports assessed last month (see 1707280033), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced. They also discussed combating unfair trade practices by third countries, a “priority work area” under the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue, as well as other “topics of common concern,” during their meeting in Washington, USTR said. Lighthizer and Kono also agreed to “accelerating discussions” on “specific bilateral trade issues.”