Japan removes remaining tariffs on US frozen fries

Japan recently eliminated its remaining 2.1% tariff on U.S. frozen fries (HS 2004.10) as a result of the tariff concessions secured under the US-Japan Trade Agreement.

Japan also further reduced the tariff on flakes granules and pellets (HS 1105.20) to 6.6%, and those tariffs on other dehy lines (HS2005.20), which now range from 4% to 8.6%. These tariffs will be subject to ongoing annual reductions on April 1 until full elimination occurs over the course of the next seven years.

Japan is the largest market for U.S. frozen fries with exports valued at $268 million in 2020. Tariff-free access to Japan for U.S. fries will therefore support the continued growth of exports to the market.

The Japanese tariff reductions enacted on April 1 are aligned with those Japan has committed in the TPP-11 trade agreement — which includes Canada and New Zealand — and those offered to EU member states in the EU-Japan FTA. As a result, fries from these countries will also now enter Japan tariff-free.

— Washington State Potato Commission