Trade tensions have dominated relations between Japan and the European Community. Efforts by both Japan and the EC to develop a more balanced relationship culminated in the EC-Japan declaration of 1991, but trade issues continue to threaten moves towards clear and mutually beneficial relations. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the underlying factors, as both partners accuse each other of "unfair" trade policies and practices. Based on detailed studies of the electronics, automobile, financial services and pharmaceutical sectors, the paper argues that contrasting Japanese and European perceptions of the "rules of the game" or "fairness" are shaped less by cultural differences than by factors such as relative competitiveness, structural characteristics and different attitudes towards the codification of rules and regulations. The paper suggests future policy initiatives that might be taken by both Japanese and European Community policy-makers to accommodate differences and promote convergence.
- ISBN10 090503161X
- ISBN13 9780905031613
- Publish Date December 1992
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 11 June 2006
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Royal Institute of International Affairs
- Format Paperback
- Pages 45
- Language English