U.S – Japan Sign New “Mini Trade Agreement”

On October 7, the U.S. and Japan signed a “mini trade agreement,” which includes similar market access as was negotiated in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, of which the U.S. dropped out of in 2018. The U.S. seed industry already enjoys duty-free treatment on most exports to Japan including grass, vegetable, and flower seeds. Under the proposed agreement, an additional eight Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) categories, or 14-percent of the 2018 value of planting seeds exported to Japan will receive duty-free treatment upon entry into force. This includes peas for planting, chickpeas, and several categories of beans. Currently, these products face either 6-percent, 8.5-percent, or 10-percent tariffs. Click here for the full agreement text.