Japan decision on lifting ban on US fresh potato imports may come earlier
AgenciesJapan may reach a final decision on whether to lift its import ban on fresh U.S. potatoes for uses other than potato chip production sooner than the two to three years init...
Japan may decide on lifting its ban on fresh U.S. potatoes, other than for chip production, sooner than anticipated, government sources say. This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for support from domestic farmers. A decision could be made as early as a year from now, depending on the United States' progress with required steps, according to sources.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reached the final stage of its three-phase process in September, aiming to remove the ban. The key issue is preventing pests and pathogens from entering Japan through potatoes. Japan started considering lifting the ban in 2020, at the U.S.'s request. Currently, discussions are ongoing about specific quarantine measures against 21 pests and pathogens.
While cheaper U.S. potatoes could give consumers more choices, domestic producers in regions like Hokkaido, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima are worried about pests, diseases, and price competition. Under international rules, Japan must engage in discussions when asked to lift import restrictions and can allow imports if scientific evidence confirms manageable risks.
Currently, Japan only imports frozen or processed potatoes from various nations, but fresh potatoes can only be imported from the United States for chip processing.
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