US and Japan Strike a Trade Deal that Benefits Farmers

The new deal aims to level the playing field by cutting tariffs on may agricultural products.

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The United States and Japan struck a trade deal that will provide a reduction of Japanese tariffs for more than $2 billion worth of of U.S. beef and pork, Reuters reports. In addition, the agreement will allow the countries to have matching access granted to the 11 Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact.

Previously, tariffs left U.S. farmers and food producers at a disadvantage in the Japanese market. However, the new deal aims to level the playing field by cutting tariffs on may agricultural products.

Tariffs will be eliminated on the following:

  • Almonds
  • Blueberries
  • Cranberries
  • Walnuts
  • Sweet corn
  • Lactose
  • Mil albumin
  • Grain sorghum
  • Food supplements
  • Broccoli
  • Prunes

An additional $3 billion worth of products would benefit from staged tariff elimination, matching access conditions in the TPP. 

This group includes:

  • Processed pork
  • Beef offal
  • Frozen poultry
  • Wine
  • Frozen Potatoes
  • Oranges
  • Fresh Cherries
  • Cheese and whey
  • Ethanol
  • Egg products
  • Tomato paste

Meanwhile, the deal will also restore a country-specific tariff free quote for U.S. wheat that will grow to 150,000 metric tons over six years, Reuters reports. Japan will also reduce its markup on imported U.S. by 45% to the same levels as TPP countries. 


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