NOTEBOOK – One Good Read: Japan heads for a trade showdown with U.S. (What about Iowa?)

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The last few weeks have brought plenty of news on international trade, with the U.S. and China taking center stage. Then there are headlines that the president is reconsidering his stance on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trade dominates my news reading at times as Iowa manufacturers and farmers have key issues at stake (read our Insider story by Managing Editor Perry Beeman). Now comes another matter to keep track of, according to CNN Money: “The United States and Japan trade $200 billion in goods and services each year. It’s a vital relationship President Donald Trump wants to overhaul, but Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe isn’t so keen. The two leaders are expected to talk about trade and other top issues such as North Korea during Abe’s visit to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort that starts Tuesday.” Could an overhaul affect Iowa? Well, it turns out Japan is a trading partner with the state, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Itwebsite says: “In 2017, the top five importers of Iowa manufactured goods and value-added agricultural products were from Canada, Mexico, Japan, China and Germany.” So, stay tuned.