Eighteen US senators sign letter to USTR Michael Froman saying United States should press Japan to increase market access for US farm exports. They say Japan has not made a comprehensive offer yet at the Trans Pacific Partnership talks. Exports would grow by billions of dollars if Japan acts, says the letter. “For this reasons, we seek assurances from you that the U.S. will not close the TPP negotiations without an acceptable comprehensive agreement with Japan to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers in agriculture,” says the letter spearheaded by Sens Grassley of Iowa and Bennet of Colorado.
Japan is the No 4 export market for U.S. farm exports, behind China, Canada and Mexico. USDA forecasts sales of $13 bln to Japan this fiscal year.