Key Highlights:
- Japan still denies U.S. access to its fresh potato market after 30 years.
- NPC says the issue was ignored during Trump–Takaichi meeting.
- U.S. growers report losses of over $750 million in exports to Japan.
- Industry urges action to support farmers amid falling prices and high costs.
The National Potato Council (NPC) has voiced its frustration after the U.S.-Japan trade agreement once again excluded access for American fresh potatoes. Despite ongoing talks spanning three decades, Japan has yet to open its market, leaving U.S. growers disappointed and financially strained.
NPC CEO Kam Quarles said it was “very disappointing” that the U.S. could not use tariff pressure to move past Japan’s trade barriers. “Japan’s protectionism has blocked fresh potato access for thirty years and this delay continues to harm American family farms,” he said.
The latest meeting between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not include any discussion about potato exports. No mention of the issue appeared in followup statements from either side. Earlier talks in October between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) also ended without any progress or timeline for approval.
According to the NPC, Japan’s refusal to allow U.S. potatoes has already cost American growers over $750 million in lost exports. The group says Japan’s long running strategy of delaying talks without resolution has become a clear trade barrier.
The U.S. potato industry had hoped the recent tariff announcements by President Trump would provide leverage to resolve the issue. “This was a missed opportunity,” said Quarles, noting that the lack of fresh market access weakens the position of American exporters.
In testimony before the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Chief Agriculture Negotiator nominee Dr. Julie Callahan described Japan’s delay tactics as a “non tariff trade barrier.” Quarles welcomed her statement, saying it reflected what the industry has argued for years. He added that her clear stance could help bring renewed focus to the issue within U.S. trade discussions.
Dean Gibson, NPC Vice President of Legislative Affairs and a grower from Idaho, said the failure to open the Japanese market comes at a difficult time for producers. “With falling prices and high input costs, farmers are already struggling. Losing the Japan opportunity only makes things worse,” he said.
Gibson called for stronger action from both the Administration and Congress to provide economic relief for the potato sector and other specialty crops facing similar export restrictions.
Industry estimates show that if access were granted, Japan could become a $150 million annual market for U.S. fresh potatoes. The continued blockage not only prevents potential growth but also adds pressure on the U.S. to achieve better trade terms for processed potato products in other markets.
The NPC says achieving entry into Japan’s fresh market remains a top priority. The council argues that opening Japan would not only benefit U.S. farmers but also strengthen overall agricultural trade between the two countries.
After thirty years of negotiations, Japan’s closed fresh potato market continues to frustrate U.S. growers. The National Potato Council is urging trade officials to take stronger steps to break the deadlock, arguing that America’s potato farmers cannot afford more years of delay and missed opportunities.
Source: American Ag Network
Image credit: Pixabay by Marko Paakkanen
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