The United States and Japan announced a trade agreement between the countries covering specific agricultural and industrial products. The new agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs (duties) and is expected to be effective January 1, 2020. Japan has agreed to allow 90 percent of U.S. food and agricultural products duty free or preferential tariff access to its domestic market. Japan specifically agreed to:
- Reduce duties for imports including beef and pork products
- Provide the U.S with a quota for wheat and wheat products
- Remove duties for many nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits
- Decrease the mark-up on imported U.S. wheat and barley
- Set up phased duty elimination for products including cheeses, processed pork, poultry, beef offal, ethanol, wine, frozen potatoes, oranges, fresh cherries, egg products, and tomato paste
A related digital trade agreement was also reached that:
- Prohibits imposing customs duties on digital products transmitted electronically
- Confirms non-discriminatory treatment of digital products
- Ensures barrier-free cross-border data transfers in all sectors
- Allows organizations the flexibility to use innovative encryption technology in their products
Please contact your local Delmar Representative or email our U.S. Customs Advisory Services Group for additional information and assistance.
Additional Information:
