Japan, Korea & APEC

USTR's Office of Japan, Korea, and APEC Affairs develops and implements trade and trade-related policy toward Japan and Korea and within the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC).

With respect to Japan, the office leads comprehensive trade and regulatory reform-related initiatives to further open the world's second largest economy to U.S. goods and services. The office also addresses specific bilateral trade irritant issues with Japan, monitors Japan's compliance with its international and bilateral trade agreements, and coordinates with Japan on regional and global trade issues of mutual concern and interest.

With respect to Korea, the office led the 2006-2007 U.S.-Korea FTA (KORUS) negotiations, as well as the additional negotiations that resulted in the landmark December 2010 trade deal that addressed outstanding concerns with the KORUS, leveled the playing field for U.S. auto companies and workers, and set the stage for Congressional consideration of KORUS. The office also addresses specific emerging bilateral trade issues with Korea, monitors and enforces Korea's compliance with its international and bilateral trade agreements, and coordinates with Korea on regional and global trade issues.

On APEC, the office advances U.S. trade policy regionally through the APEC Forum, comprised of 21 Member Economies, representing approximately 44 percent of global trade.