European Community foreign ministers resolved to intensify...

European Community foreign ministers resolved to intensify pressure on Japan to open its markets to European exports as a way to cut its huge trade surplus, which amounted to more than $21 billion last year. The ministers of the 12 member countries said they wanted Tokyo to commit itself to specific dates for implementing concessions already agreed to and progress on other EC demands. The EC will investigate charges that Japanese companies are “dumping” cut-price electronic goods in Europe to put competitors out of business and wants more Japanese concessions on motor vehicle standards, cosmetics and medical equipment.