Japan to Curb Eel Imports from ChinaJapan has expanded on Tuesday its trade war with China beyond towels, mushrooms and chopsticks. Some foreign media report that urgent restrictions on eel imports from China have also been under consideration by the Japanese government.The All Japan Eel Culture Association said that it has requested Japan's Agriculture Ministry to impose an emergency curb on eels from China. Agriculture Ministry Officials said that the Japanese government would look into the situation of the country's eel market before making final decision. About 90 percent of Japanese eel consumption comes from China's mainland and Taiwan. Japan raised tariffs by several times on mushrooms last month after Japanese farmers complained about increased imports of agricultural products from China. It was the first time Japan employed the so-called safe measures. Native chopstick and towel makers were also not satisfied with same cheap products from China, asking their government to take measures to protect local market. What's the Caution Behind "Chinese Onion Trade War"?On April 23, Japan launched a provisional protecting measure to restrict three agricultural imports including green onion, fresh mushrooms and mats made of small iris from China. As things stand with Japan's import market, Japan has for long had imports of these from China.Japan's restrictive measures mean that during the 200 days from now on till November 8 imports of these from China should not exceed the restricted quota set by Japan. Tariffs would likewise be levied at a 256, 266 and 106 percent rate respectively instead of a 3, 4.3, 6 percent. Just a few days ago, China and the ROK just made up the Sino-ROK garlic trade dispute. Now, one trouble follows another. By PD Online staff member Li Yan |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |