TOKYO (AP) - The Japanese government said Thursday that a recent U.S. report on trade accusing Japan and 62 trading partners of erecting unfair barriers to American exports was ''inaccurate.''
Japan was among 63 trading partners mentioned in the 2007 National Trade Estimate report released last month by the U.S. Trade Representative, with Japan receiving the third most coverage with 31 pages reviewing its trade policies.
The Bush administration is required to prepare the report as a way of informing Congress of its priorities in trying to tear down harmful trade barriers.
''Although the two governments have carried on constructive dialogue, the Report still contains many inaccurate or unilateral descriptions,'' Japan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
After giving ''due consideration,'' Japan's government submitted its comments to the U.S. government on Wednesday, the statement said.
The statement said the Japanese government will seek the ''correct understanding'' of the U.S. about Japanese positions expressed in the comments through bilateral forums.
Critics say the Bush administration has failed to forcefully pursue unfair trade barriers and they contend this inaction has contributed to America's soaring trade deficits, which last year hit an all-time high of $765.3 billion, the fifth consecutive record. The deficit with China totaled $232.5 billion, the highest ever recorded with a single country.
