Topic:
Offshoring with Partners: Trust is the New Currency – How Security and Consumer Benefits Shape Japanese Trade Attitudes
Speaker:
Professor Dapeng Cai
Faculty of Economics, Nanzan University
Date & Time:
Friday, 20 June 2025
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (Singapore Time)
Venue:
Online via Zoom
Registration is required:
Please click here and indicate if you are joining in person: https://nus-sg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i0_nCU-vT6WqwIbLU-5Mxw
Synopsis:
This seminar explores how Japanese voters weigh economic security against consumer benefits when evaluating trade policy. Drawing on a randomised survey experiment, the speaker tests the effects of visual and narrative cues that emphasise trade-related vulnerabilities, consumer advantages, or both. Findings show that consumer benefits boosts support for offshoring, reflecting the enduring role of economic self-interest. While security-focused messaging does not significantly reduce overall trade support, it may increase preferences for partnerships with trusted allies. Combined messaging yields minimal additional effects. Overall, public support for free trade in Japan remains strong, though increasingly accompanied by a preference for trade diversification with allied nations.
Note:
Registration is required for this seminar, which will be held on the Chatham House rule.
Photography and videography may be carried out during the event by EAI for its print publications, digital platforms and/or marketing channels.
For enquiries, please contact the Institute at 6516 3708 / 6516 8333 or email: eaiwym@nus.edu.sg / james_tan@nus.edu.sg
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