IRVINE, CA - As the world of global trade continues to evolve, produce industry members keep their ears to the ground to stay informed of the deals and negotiations that can impact their trade with other countries. A new trade pact between the U.S. and Japan has been approved by the latter’s parliament, opening the country’s market up to American agricultural trade, Bloomberg reports. As a valued member of the industry, Tom Nassif, President and CEO of Western Growers, has weighed in on the agreement.

“With Japan’s parliamentary approval of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, the final hurdle for the deal to take effect on January 1st of 2020 has been cleared,” he commented in a statement. “Western Growers appreciates the prompt action by the Japanese Diet, which will eliminate tariffs on a number of American fruit, vegetable, and tree nut products and pave the way for significant export opportunities for our members.”

According to the news source, the deal was approved on Wednesday and the U.S. is hoping the agreement will come into force by January 1.

“Western Growers extends its continued support to President Trump for his leadership in pursuing fairer deals for American farmers in Japan and other countries around the world,” Nassif said. “We urge President Trump to follow through on his pledge to engage Prime Minister Abe in further trade talks to address additional barriers to trade. Chief among our remaining concerns are the non-scientific sanitary and phytosanitary measures that will continue to prohibit many American fresh produce items from entering Japan. No trade deal will be complete without these reforms to the Japanese importation system.”

AndNowUKnow will continue to deliver updates on agriculture-centric trade.

Western Growers