Not a lot of fresh FX-related news breaking over this Easter long weekend, so far at least. If you are taking this opportunity to relax and unwind, I hope its enjoyable.
Meanwhile, there are a few items of background interest around to go into the mix.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks are in danger of stalling as U.S.-Japan talks aimed at a trade deal (seen as vital to the broader regional pact) are in stalemate.
Japan economy minister Amari said of the US-Japan talks: “There was a lot of progress in detailed areas but we did not see progress in the main issues”.
- The United States wants Japan to open its rice, beef and pork, dairy and sugar sectors – politically powerful sectors that Abe has vowed to defend
- Japan wants a timetable on U.S. promises to drop tariffs of 2.5 percent on imports of passenger cars and 25 percent on light trucks
- Japanese media has reported that the United States – which has been pushing Japan to scrap its tariffs, is willing to let Japan keep import levies on rice, wheat and sugar while it will create a mechanism to boost its imports of U.S. rice. Gaps remain over the size of cuts in tariffs on beef and over pork as well.
More at Reuters
