Japan's Auto Regulations Not Trade Barrier: Transport Minister

Tokyo, Feb. 7 (Jiji Press)--Japan's environmental and safety regulations for automobiles do not hamper imports of foreign vehicles to the country, transport minister Keiichi Ishii said Tuesday. Ishii made the comment in a press conference in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remark accusing Japan of being "unfair" in automobile trade with the United States. "I'm not aware that the United States views (the regulations) as problematic," Ishii said. He noted progress in international efforts, including the United States, to harmonize auto standards in line with the globalization of the auto industry. As for views that regard Japan's preferential tax treatment for minivehicles as a problem, the minister said the tax break applies to both Japanese and overseas automakers. He argued that Japan is not a closed market. Ishii also said the industry's practice of selling vehicles through affiliated dealers does not involve any anticompetitive act. END