An evaluation of Japan's first safeguards actions

Japan has been one of the major GATT/WTO member countries with relatively little experience in implementing protectionist measures. However, in April 2001, for the first time in its history, Japan invoked provisional safeguard measures against imports of Welsh onions, Shiitake mushrooms and Tatami mats mainly from China. This paper reviews and evaluates the chain of events regarding these safeguard actions, and considers the means by which Japan might be able to deal with its 'trilemma' policy problem involving how to coordinate the promotion of trade liberalisation, the administration of WTO-consistent safeguards and responses to domestic political demands for protection. The paper first attempts to review the theoretical rationale for implementing safeguard measures and counterarguments against these measures. Second, it discusses the economic circumstances in which Japan implemented the safeguard measures and evaluates these measures critically from the standpoint of economic efficiency and the political economy interests involved. Finally, it concludes with a recommendation that the aforementioned 'trilemma' policy problem in Japan can be best addressed by means of the introduction of a 'well-institutionalised' domestic programme to provide adjustment assistance to ameliorate the displacement resulting from import surges. © 2006 The Authors Journal compilation © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.