Rare Earth Trade Problem Not Improved between Japan and China

Akihiro Ohata, Minister of Economy, Trade & Industry, expressed at a press meeting on Friday Chinese inspections on rare earth exports to Japan hasn’t been eased though inspection delays have widely improved for other exporting goods compared with the end of September when the Ministry implemented survey against Japanese traders on trade conditions between China and Japan.

Mr. Ohata insisted Japanese government decides countermeasures on or after Monday including direct talks with Chinese government since rare earth trade is actually troubled despite of Chinese government’s official comment to deny rare earth embargo.

Mr. Ohata had suggested at a press meeting on October 12 the Ministry might send parliamentary secretary or vice minister to China for direct talks to solve rare earth shipping troubles. Japanese government had already offered Chinese government to take some actions on the embargo problem through Japanese embassy in Beijing. Mr. Ohata said there have been no official answers from Chinese government yet.