Japan is considering increasing imports of U.S. rice as a strategic move in trade negotiations with former President Donald Trump, should he return to office. Currently, Japan imports about 770,000 metric tons of rice annually tariff-free under a WTO agreement, with the U.S. accounting for nearly half. Trump previously criticized Japan’s rice tariffs, often citing inflated figures. To ease tensions, Japan may propose a new import quota of 70,000 tons of U.S. rice—a measure previously included in the abandoned TPP and postponed in the 2019 U.S.-Japan trade deal. However, the idea is politically sensitive, as domestic rice farmers strongly support the ruling party. Additionally, rice prices in Japan remain high, raising concerns about food security and dependence on foreign imports.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/04/23/economy/rice-minimum-access/
3 comments:
I wonder whether there is another country that could replace the US as a trading partner for Japan, or if the US holds a monopoly here.
Although as a negotiation tactic I don't know if it is effective, but I wonder if importing rice could avert the supply chain bottlenecks which the article talks about that make rice more expensive and- at least temporarily- cheapen the price of rice. This would be at the expense of rice farmers, and perhaps be as you say politically inviable, but still interesting.
Very interesting move, do you think Japan balancing trade diplomacy with Trump and protecting local farmers can actually work, or is someone bound to lose out?
Post a Comment