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In a private lunch last week, Republican Senators met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, where, according to Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), potatoes were a “significant topic” among the commodities discussed, alongside soybeans and grain sorghum. As reported by Agri-Pulse, the Senators also raised the issue of tariffs on critical farm inputs in a wide-ranging discussion about the Administration’s trade approach.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed this week that President Trump will travel to Japan at the end of this month. This trip will be held in conjunction with larger conferences with ASEAN nations, providing a high-level platform for advancing key trade discussions, including market access for U.S. agriculture.
The U.S. potato industry continues to press U.S. trade officials to use ongoing negotiations with Japan to secure market access for U.S. fresh potatoes – a goal it has been seeking for three decades. Japan has long been criticized for delaying pest risk assessments, effectively prohibiting U.S. fresh potato imports.
National Potato Council (NPC) CEO Kam Quarles noted that Japan’s negotiators are masters at slowing down trade talks to “run the clock,” which is likely delaying market access for potatoes. However, “if anyone knows how to create and utilize leverage, it’s President Trump,” said Quarles. “Along with Secretary Rollins, Ambassador Greer, and his cabinet, the President has an opportunity to elevate this issue to a place where even Japan’s highly skilled, political negotiators can’t resist the pressure.”
SOURCE: NPC
