TPP talks see Canada and Japan wrangle over log export protections – As Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations are heading to a finale, there is concern in Canada that its most protected industry, British Columbia timber is under increased pressure. Canada is also pushing for tariff reduction in other forestry markets, while Japan is targeting Canada for removal of export curbs on its precious BC logs as a matter of reciprocity.

According to reports, Japan is pressing Canada to eliminate or modify curbs it has imposed on BC log exports, which are driving up their cost for foreign buyers. The ‘forestry impasse’ with Japan has been mentioned in the official documents from Canada’s Foreign Affairs department marked as secret and was accessed by the media. Besides Japan, Canada is also pressured by the United States, which is taking aim at its coveted supply management system that protects the country’s dairy and poultry farmers.

However, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has vowed that Canada will go to any extent to protect its supply management system while pushing the TPP, though the PM considers it vital for the country’s future economic health. The dilemma for the Conservative Government is that it has to face an election in October, and trade impasses will hurt them with so many implications. The PM had invested much of his political capital in various free trade talks by positioning himself as the most reliable devotee of the Canadian economy.

Source: International Business Times