(Tokachi Mainichi Shimbun: February 19, 2016 – 1:00 p.m.)

 According to an opinion poll on the TPP conducted by Teikoku Databank’s Sapporo Branch, while 53% of companies in Hokkaido said “the TPP is necessary for Japan,” only 23% of companies regarded the TPP as necessary for their particular business sector.

 The agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector is most seriously concerned about the negative impact of the TPP, with 66.7% of companies voicing concern.

 This survey was conducted from December 2015 to January 2016. Out of 1,171 companies queried, 576 responded.

 Regarding the TPP’s impact on their company, 13.9% said there will be negative effects, while 11.6% predicted positive effects. Nearly 30-40% answered “no impact” or “don’t know.” Sapporo Teikoku Databank notes that “this reflects the fact that companies are unsure about the impact on them.”

 In terms of expected positive effects, respondents cited “lower cost of materials,” “increase in exports,” and “expansion of procurement routes.” On the negative side, “lower selling prices,” “decline in sales,” and “fiercer competition” were cited.

 While 81.6% of companies have not thought about what to do in the future, nearly 90% of agriculture, forestry and fisheries companies are considering measures to deal with the TPP.