Competing With Japan

Some of us in U.S. industry think it is time to set the record straight about our trading situation with Japan (World, April 13). An unprecedented rise in the dollar from 1980 to 1985 discounted the price of foreign products in this country, and priced U.S. goods out of many world markets. It was that period that saw this country's trade deficit slip from a modest $25 billion to more than $170 billion and the U.S.-Japan deficit increased fivefold. It certainly did not help that Japan kept its markets glaringly closed to some products and more subtly to others. Further, I do not think you would find that any business competing against the Japanese was experiencing stagnation. We all know we have to match or exceed their technology, innovation and quality to hold our position in the marketplace

Donald E. Peterson, Chairman of the Board

Ford Motor Co.

Dearborn, Mich.