News

The U.S. potato industry wants a trade deal

The CEO of the National Potato Council says he’s optimistic trade discussions between the U.S. and Japan will benefit U.S. potato growers.

Kam Quarles tells Brownfield the potato industry has been trying to get fresh potato market access into Japan for many years.

“The opportunity is estimated at $150 million each year in new U.S. agriculture exports for fresh tablestock potatoes.”

He says politics have been a non-tariff trade barrier with Japan. Japanese and U.S. trade officials met on Friday and are expected to meet again May 30. Quarles says that’s a good sign.

“Obviously the tariff situation overall has generated a lot of volatility, chaos and questions, but one thing it’s also generated is some leverage.”

Quarles says as the U.S. meets with other countries, like Vietnam and Thailand, the U.S. potato industry would like to see tariff benefits from the Trans-Pacific Partnership restored.