Japan may decide sooner than expected whether to lift its ban on fresh US potatoes for uses other than making potato chips, Kyodo News reported on October 6, citing government and ruling party sources. Officials had expected a final decision to take two to three years.

The shift comes as Washington increases pressure on Tokyo to open its agricultural market, with US President Donald Trump seeking support from American farmers. Japan buys frozen and processed potatoes from several countries but allows fresh potatoes only from the United States, and only for processing into chips. Some Japanese government officials believe a decision could come in about a year, depending on how quickly the United States carries out the steps Japan requires, the sources said.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced on September 18 that bilateral talks were needed on quarantine measures against 21 pests and pathogens. The announcement opened the last of three stages in the review process. The central question is how to stop pests and pathogens that may travel with the potatoes from entering Japan.

Tokyo began considering lifting the ban in 2020 after a formal request from the United States. Talks on specific quarantine measures are continuing.

A senior official at the farm ministry said the process could move faster if the measures Japan has requested are put in place promptly, depending on "how the United States responds," 

Cheaper US potatoes would give consumers more choice. Domestic producers in Hokkaido, Nagasaki and Kagoshima prefectures, however, have grown increasingly concerned about pests, diseases and price competition.

Plant imports in Japan are governed by the Plant Protection Act, under which quarantine measures are negotiated with exporting countries to keep out pests and diseases that could cause damage in Japan. International rules require the government to hold talks when another country asks it to lift import restrictions. Japan must also permit imports if scientific evidence shows the risks from pests and diseases can be managed.

Before lifting the ban, the ministry plans to hold several information sessions for domestic producers, gather expert opinions and conduct a public consultation.