Japan May Increase US Corn Imports Under Tariff Deal

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba signaled on Monday that increasing U.S. corn imports would be an option in trade talks with Washington.

Ishiba also told a parliamentary session that Tokyo would not sacrifice its agricultural sector to lower auto tariffs, Reuters reported.

Japan has made some progress in two rounds of trade talks with the United States. Tokyo is seeking tariff exemptions on goods shipped to the United States, including a crippling 25% tariff on its most important export, automobiles.

During the first round in April, the U.S. side raised automobiles and rice as areas where White House officials said Tokyo was imposing market barriers.

Agreeing to buy more North American corn is a less controversial option for Japan than increasing rice imports, as Ishiba’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party relies heavily on domestic rice producers to win elections. Japan may also offer the United States technical cooperation in shipbuilding, Reuters clarified, citing sources.

The statements in parliament came as Japanese authorities are trying to organize a third round of ministerial talks at the end of May. The bilateral talks could be affected by an agreement reached between the United States and China to reduce mutual tariffs.

The United States exported $2.8 billion in corn to Japan in 2024, while revenue from deliveries to China fell by 80%.

Tags: corn, USA, Japan