While there are still many details to be finalized, sources familiar with the matter say Japan will not increase import quotas for rice grown in the United States.
US manufacturers hope this problem will be resolved during the second negotiation phase between the two countries, according to Japan Times.
However, it is still unclear whether Trump and Abe will continue to negotiate, as any trade deal in Japan must be approved by the parliament and the Trump administration is running out of time. 2020 presidential election takes place.
Japan is the main export market for rice farmers America, who came under pressure after the Asian nation signed trade agreements with other countries, including the revised 11-member Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.
Minister of Agriculture America Sonny Perdue has suggested the White House can make concessions on rice, which is a cultural issue in Japan, local media reported.
“Although we are happy to see the bilateral agreement between America and Japan, we were disappointed when the rice America not part of the agreement, “said Stuart Hoetger, a rice trader and manager of Pinnacle Rice Coop in Chico, California.
Spokesperson for Trade Representative America did not respond to a request for comment.
Japan is required to import 682,000 tons of rice according to the commitments of the World Trade Organization (WTO), with America usually accounts for about half of that, according to USA Rice.
Since Japan signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), increased competition from Australian manufacturers, the industry group said.
Chris Crutchfield, president of mill and marketing American Commodity Company LLC in Williams, California, said the industry America want not only greater access volume but better quality for the Japanese market.
Most of the rice America to Japan is auctioned by the government and is used to make noodles, beer or sake, only in small quantities sold as rice. American rice should be allowed to be auctioned directly to private buyers and marked to be planted America.
According to Vietnambiz
