The totals also exclude U.S.-based subsidiaries of foreign corporations because they usually have interests similar to U.S. firms. The Canadian government and corporations lobbied on trade issues involving lumber, salmon fishing, magazines, and the Helms-Burton Act, which punishes companies that invest in Cuba. Mexican cement and fishing interests also lobbied against U.S. tariffs or bans on their products. Despite DeLay's support, a 1996 bill to suspend cement tariffs failed. Congress agreed to accept Mexican tuna imports, which had been outlawed because Mexican fishing boats kill dolphins in their nets.
Japan focuses on trade and regulatory issues.
Japan avoided an investigation of its auto market by USTR last year, but U.S. auto makers continue to complain that Japan is violating a 1995 trade agreement. British insurers sought to limit corporate liability for toxic dumps. Weapon makers sought U.S. contracts. Guy Vander Jagt, a former GOP leader, to kill a tax on expatriates. A proposed 28 percent tax on Americans who renounce their citizenship was defeated in Congress.