Japan Decision on Lifting Ban on US Fresh Potato Imports May Come Earlier

Japan 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 initially expected, government and ruling party sources said Saturday.

The development comes amid growing U.S. pressure as President Donald Trump seeks support from domestic farmers. Some Japanese government officials believe a decision could be reached in about a year, depending on how quickly the United States takes the steps required by Japan, the sources said.

The Japanese agriculture ministry entered the final stage of its three-stage process toward removing the ban in September.

At issue is how to prevent the entry into Japan of pests and pathogens that may accompany potatoes.

Japan began considering lifting the import ban in 2020 at the formal request of the United States. Discussions are underway regarding specific quarantine measures against pests and pathogens.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced on Sept. 18 that bilateral consultations are needed over quarantine measures against 21 pests and pathogens, marking the start of the final stage of the review process.

While cheaper potatoes from the United States would offer more choices for consumers, concerns about pests and diseases as well as price competition have grown among domestic producers in areas such as Hokkaido, Nagasaki and Kagoshima prefectures.

The import of plants is regulated under the Plant Protection Act, and quarantine measures are discussed with the exporting country to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that could cause damage within Japan.

Under international rules, the government is obliged to engage in discussions if a request to lift import restrictions is made and must permit imports if scientific evidence confirms that the risks posed by pests and diseases can be managed.

Japan imports frozen or processed potatoes from various countries. But fresh potatoes may be imported only from the United States and only for processing into potato chips.