Japan ruling party weighs lifting US potato ban as trade bargaining chip

TradeTokyo has long prohibited imports for fresh consumption on pest, disease fearsImporting U.S. potatoes for fresh consumption would give consumers more choices but would increase competition for Japanese farmers. (Photo by Nanami Sato)KOUTA OHYAMAJuly 15, 2026 02:50 JSTTOKYO -- Some members of Japan's ruling party are arguing for allowing the import of American potatoes for fresh consumption, a step the Asian country has long resisted over concerns about diseases and pests, as Tokyo looks for ways to counter trade pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.