Momentum Grows To Open Japanese Market for U.S. Potatoes

The National Potato Council (NPC) is welcoming a bipartisan, bicameral letter sent to President Trump by 68 members of Congress, urging the Administration to prioritize opening Japan’s market to U.S. fresh table stock potatoes during Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s visit to the U.S.

The letter, led by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), notes that gaining fresh potato access to Japan would result in an estimated $150 million in new annual U.S. exports. This move would establish Japan as the largest export market for U.S. fresh potatoes outside of North America, providing a significant boost to U.S. farming communities.

Despite the U.S. first requesting access more than 30 years ago, Japan continues to delay substantive technical discussions. “U.S. potato growers produce the best potatoes in the world,” wrote the group. “Japan represents a massive market with significant export opportunities for American potato growers. Securing this long-delayed market access petition and unlocking the critical Japanese export market would make a meaningful difference for potato growers in our states and across the country.”

According to a 2024 study released by NPC, approximately 20% of U.S.-grown potatoes are exported, contributing $4.8 billion to the American economy and supporting 34,000 domestic jobs.

For more, continue reading at nationalpotatocouncil.org.