The NAJAS/KKC Business Speaker Series titled “Trade, Tariffs, & Shifting Regulatory Environment: Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), the Maritime Transport Industry, and the U.S.-Japan Relationship” was held in cooperation with the Japan-America Society of Washington DC (JASWDC) in Washington, D.C.

Dr. William Chou of The Hudson Institute, who served as the moderator for the panel, gave brief opening remarks to set the stage for the discussion, focusing on the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship and the critical role of the maritime trade industry within the Japanese economy.

Dr. Sang H Yi, Deputy Administrator for the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, delivered the keynote address. He explained current maritime trade policy and addressed near-term uncertainties due to tariffs and the rapidly evolving international trade regulatory environment.

Mr. Tomoaki Ichida, Managing Executive Director of Mitsui OSK Lines, provided a brief overview of the history of MOL and what they are involved in as a company. He emphasized how transparent trade practices are vital to his company’s success and discussed MOL’s deep integration into the global maritime trade system.

Mr. Riley Baldree, Policy Advisor to the Under Secretary for International Trade, offered perspectives on the administration’s trade practices, outlining the strategic objectives underlying its maritime tariffs and regulatory policies. Furthermore, he underscored the critical nature of the U.S.-Japan relationship, asserting that establishing mutually balanced trade practices remains essential for future cooperation.