Number: RL33436
Title: Japan-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress
Authors: Emma Chanlett-Avery, Coordinator, Specialist in Asian Affairs 
Abstract: Japan is one of the United States' most important economic partners. Outside of North America, it is the United States' second largest export market and second-largest source of imports. Japanese firms are the United States' second-largest source of foreign direct investment, and Japanese investors are the second largest foreign holders of U.S. treasuries, helping to finance the U.S. deficit and reduce upward pressure on U.S. interest rates. Bilateral trade friction has decreased in recent years, partly because U.S. concern about the trade deficit with Japan has been replaced by concern about a much larger deficit with China. The exception was U.S. criticism over Japan's decision in 2003 to ban imports of U.S. beef, which have since resumed. However, the economic problems in Japan and United States associated with the credit crisis (both countries are now in recessions) and how the two countries deal with those problems will likely dominate the their bilateral economic agenda for the foreseeable future.
Pages: 21
Date: December 30, 2008