Japan warns of 21 pests and diseases if import ban on US potatoes ends

AgricultureHearings with farmers and government officials to begin next monthJapan bans imports of most fresh potatoes due to risk of harmful pests and microbes. (Photo by Nanami Sato)HAJIME TSUKADAAugust 29, 2026 01:31 JSTTOKYO -- Japan will be at risk of 21 pests and diseases if fresh potatoes from the U.S. are allowed to be freely imported, the Japanese government said Friday.Read NextTradeJapan ruling party weighs lifting US potato ban as trade bargaining chipTradeJapan's farmer-backed ruling party to support trade talks with MercosurFood & BeverageJapan to bolster IP protections for prized new fruit, vegetable varietiesAgricultureJapan rice glut sends prices tumbling 40%, below production costAgricultureChina's high-rise pig farming leads to pork glut, falling pricesFood & BeverageJap