UNITED STATES - IMPORT PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN SHRIMP

                                                     AND SHRIMP PRODUCTS

                                                     Request to Join Consultations

                                                      Communication from Japan

        The following communication, dated 24 October 1996, from the Permanent Mission of Japan to the Permanent Missions of the United States, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand and the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

                                                            _______________

        Pursuant to paragraph 11 of Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, the Government of Japan hereby notifies the Government of the United States that, in light of the substantial trade interest of Japan, it desires to be joined in the consultations requested by India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Thailand in a communication circulated to WTO Members on 14 October 1996, (WT/DS58/1) entitled "United States - Import Prohibition of Certain Shrimp and Shrimp Products".

        As an exporter of shrimp and shrimp products, Japan has a substantial trade interest in the matter that is the subject of the request of the said four Members.  Japan has exported approximately 2,867 thousand US$-worth (average over the past 5 years) of shrimp and shrimp products annually to the United States.