Japan sends letter on ‘Buy American’ provision
By Andrew C., 30 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
In a letter sent by Japan's U.S. Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Japan is seeking to have a “Buy American” provision in an appropriations bill for energy and water development taken out before it becomes law. The provision says that federal funding could only be used to buy cars made by Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors.
It appears that Japan is fearful that after the stimulus package, there will be even more moves to promote the purchasing of American products only. This supposedly violates the World Trade Organizations fundamental principle of non-discrimination. The stimulus bill requires most public works projects using government funding to use U.S.-made steel, iron, and manufactured goods. John Bruton, European Ambassador to the United States, voiced similar concerns earlier this week, stating that a "troubling protectionist provision can be found" in the House bill. A similar bill will be debated in the Senate after the summer recess that ends September 7.
[via reuters]
Latest Auto Shows
