Japan Considers Modifying Car Safety Standards in Tariff Talks

(MENAFN) Japan plans to tackle car safety regulations for imported vehicles as part of ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States, following concerns raised by United States Leader Donald Trump regarding the limited number of American cars entering the Japanese market, according to media’s report on Sunday.

Tokyo is considering using potential changes to automobile crash test requirements as a leverage point in trade discussions due to the differing safety standards between the two nations.

During a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, Trump informed Japan’s Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Ryosei Akazawa that American cars are not performing well in the Japanese market.

He also expressed his intention to eliminate the trade deficit with Japan.

This situation has led Japan to evaluate potential adjustments to its vehicle safety regulations in exchange for trade concessions.

Japan is a participant in a 1958 UN agreement that aims to create uniform certification and testing standards for vehicles.

While the US is involved in discussions about the agreement, it has retained its own safety standards and allows automakers to conduct their own testing.

Consequently, American cars imported into Japan typically must undergo a separate Japanese type certification, a process that can take several months.

The Office of the US Trade Representative highlighted these differing safety standards as a non-tariff trade barrier in a report issued at the end of March.

In contrast, Japanese Premier Shigeru Ishiba stated on Sunday that Japan’s government will not consider security matters in its trade negotiations with the United States, despite Trump’s request to lessen the US military’s role in defending Japan.

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