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U.S. Wheat Associates welcomes Japan trade development

A leading U.S. wheat export group welcomes President Trump’s announcement of formal trade talks with Japan.

U.S. Wheat Associates vice president of policy Ben Conner says the plan to expand trade and investment between the two countries could be a nice consolation prize for TPP.

“We liked the TPP (and) thought it was a good agreement.  We didn’t like it when the U.S. pulled out.  And now that the TPP countries are going forward without us, that’s going to put us at a big disadvantage.  But we’re glad that the Administration recognizes that problem.”

He calls the Japanese market critical to U.S. wheat farmers.

“We’ve spend decades building that market.  (Japan) has probably bought more from us over the last couple decades than any other country.”

Conner tells Brownfield both countries have issued statements indicating Japan is willing to negotiate on agricultural goods up to what was agreed upon under TPP.