The U.S and Japan signed a new framework trade agreement during President Trump’s visit to Southeast Asia. The National Potato Council is disappointed that the agreement did not include fresh market access for U.S. potatoes. NPC CEO Kam Quarles said U.S. fresh potato shipments to Japan could add $150 million and boost global potato exports by ten to 15 percent each year. “Unfortunately, Japan just continues to negotiate without concluding, and they’ve used that very successfully; they’ve protected their market.” Despite that disappointment, Quarles is pleased with the confirmation this past week’s Senate Finance Committee hearing for USTR chief agriculture ambassador nominee Dr. Julie Callahan. “She’s very committed to making sure this market is open, and I think having the chief agriculture negotiator nominee make such a strong statement is a positive step for us.”
