Japan's PM Slams 'Buy American' Provision

Japan’s prime minister today slammed the “Buy American” clause in the proposed economic-stimulus bill currently being considered by the US Senate, the Financial Times reports. Speaking in parliament, Taro Aso said that requiring stimulus projects to use US-made materials is “definitely wrong,” and contrary to the conventions of international trade.

Aso’s comments echoed the European Union’s concerns over protectionism in US response to the financial crisis. The European Commission said it will make sure any US laws comply with the Government Procurement Agreement, a WTO treaty signed by the US that requires participating nations to open government contracts to foreign firms. (More economic stimulus package stories.)