Could Fresh Potatoes Be Japan Bound?

The potato industry is hopeful good news on the trade front could be right around the corner.  The Trump administration has reportedly begun talks with Japan to eliminate tariff and non-tariff trade barriers.

“Since it became obvious that there was going to be a negotiation, specifically with Japan, we have been pushing the administration," said Kam Quarles, National Potato Council CEO.  "Members of Congress have certainly been weighing in and wanting to make this market access for U.S. fresh product, fresh potatoes, part of whatever negotiated settlement comes out of this tariff volatility.”

Quarles said getting fresh potato access into Japan would be incredible for American growers.

“If we can get that access, the estimates are it would add about $150 million a year in new U.S. ag exports," Quarles said.  "But we’ve got to get past the protectionism within Japan, and that’s a tall order.”

Quarles added, given the export dependence of the U.S. potato industry, there are substantial concerns about tariffs impairing access to these valuable trading partners.

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