Economic Harmonization Initiative (2010–2017)

U.S. Agencies

U.S. Trade Representative

Japan Agencies

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Meeting Frequency

Working-level meetings ad hoc; high-level meetings 1x/year.

Context

Launched in 2010 to promote further U.S.-Japan economic cooperation amid an era of lessened trade frictions and greater cooperation in other areas, such as security and the sciences.

Goals

To address remaining structural and sectoral issues and collaboratively identify mutual trade interests.

Significance

When Japan became serious in 2012 about joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations (and formally joined in 2013), that agenda item dominated the initiative. TPP discussions have become the de facto framework for addressing bilateral trade issues.