Japan's Harbour Transportation Association says that threats by the United States to fine Japanese ships over Japan's alleged restrictive port procedures will hinder talks designed to simplify those procedures.

The US Federal Maritime Commission has threatened to fine three Japanese shipping companies US$100,000 for each port call unless Japan changes rules preventing US companies from hiring stevedores and operating terminals.

Japanese shipping industry groups are meeting to improve port procedures, but the transport association said the threat of sanctions would hamper the talks, Jiji press reported.