In his presentation, Japan s Steel Cartels and the 1998 Steel Export Surge, Dr. Tilton urges Japan to open its restrictive trade practices . He cites an export surge of Japanese steel to the United States that has increased more than 130 percent from July 1997 to July 1998. The fundamental solution to the problem Japanese imports are posing for the American steel industry is to insist that Japan break up its steel cartel and open its steel market to imports from around the world. Dr. Tilton s research reflects years of research and interviews in Japan and abroad with industry leaders and government authorities. In the global throes of the current financial crisis, Dr. Tilton stresses it is incumbent upon Japan to open its markets and create a level playing field in world trade as well as in its domestic economy.
Imports are good for the American steel industry.
They have stimulated improvements in productivity and quality. Keeping its markets open to the rest of the world, the United States is boosting the stability of beleaguered economies in Asia, Latin America and Russia. Japan could contribute to nations around the world by opening its steel market and stimulating its own industry to improve productivity, cut prices and contribute to the larger Japanese industry. The Friendship Commission Public Policy Series provides a forum for research and discussion among leading American scholars, policymakers and business leaders. Its mission is to engage dialogue of critical thinkers on critical issues between the United States and Japan to provide a policy-relevant forum for academic research.