Japan and the United States represent two of the world’s largest economies, with an interdependent trade relationship that surpassed $200 billion in 2007. Confronted by a restructuring of the world’s financial system and changes to the global trade environment, including American protectionism, the growth of Chinese export power, and the collapse of the Doha round of trade talks, the economic duo will have to work to preserve their robust trade relationship. Damage to these trade ties could hurt incomes, jobs, and growth in both Japan and the United States.

Wendy Cutler, assistant U.S. trade representative for Japan, Korea and APEC Affairs, will deliver a keynote address on the prospects for U.S.-Japanese trade. AEI’s Claude Barfield, Matthew Goodman of Stonebridge International LLC, and Kenji Goto of the Embassy of Japan will discuss the challenges facing these nations, new trade opportunities, and the role both countries play in the larger global economy. AEI’s Michael Auslin will moderate.