The "safeguard" curbs, invoked by Japan for the first time, are permitted under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules but risk igniting diplomatic friction between the two countries.

"In applying the safeguard measure, it is necessary to secure consistency with WTO rules based on the fact that the measure is an exceptional one for an emergency," Foreign Minister Yohei Kono said.

Under the plan, Tokyo will raise tariff duties for up to 200 days from April 23 -- after notifying the WTO -- to cover differences between domestic wholesale prices and import prices, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Takeo Hiranuma told a news conference.

Hit by the curbs are leeks, fresh shiitake mushrooms and rushes used to make the "tatami" straw mats that cover the floors of traditional Japanese homes. China accounts for more than 98 percent of Japan's imports of the vegetables.

The cabinet will decide next week on a formal change to the tariff code to implement the import curb. Japan will continue to charge standard tariffs -- three percent to six percent -- on a certain amount of imports, based on past amounts, and impose higher rates on imports exceeding that level.

Toshikatsu Matsuoka, senior vice farm minister will visit Beijing on Thursday to explain Japan's decision.

In response to requests from some towel makers for safeguards to be invoked, the Trade Ministry said on Friday it had decided to investigate whether such curbs are needed. It will make a decision in six months.

(China Daily 04/10/2001)