Key Facts
The Japanese government is considering a proposal to increase imports of U.S.-produced corn as part of ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States. This initiative aims to support the use of corn in next-generation aviation fuel, known as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and as livestock feed. Akazawa, Japan’s Minister for Economic Revitalization, is scheduled to visit the U.S. from April 30 to May 2 to advance these discussions in ministerial-level talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent and other officials.
According to multiple government sources, the United States is Japan’s largest supplier of imported corn, with imports reaching approximately 11.5 million tons in 2024, valued at around 459 billion yen. Notably, over 70% of these imports were duty-free and designated for livestock feed. Prime Minister Ishiba has discreetly instructed relevant ministries to assess domestic demand for feed corn. Additionally, the U.S. has expressed optimism about expanding exports for SAF production, a factor Japan is taking into account.
The U.S. remains the world’s largest corn exporter, with significant exports to China despite ongoing retaliatory tariffs between the two nations. Japan is also exploring the possibility of increasing soybean imports from the U.S. to offset reduced Chinese demand, a strategy that could extend to corn imports as well.
This proposal follows a precedent set during the first Trump administration, when Japan agreed to expand U.S. corn imports under the Japan-U.S. Trade Agreement. This move helped Japan avoid additional tariffs on automobiles. In light of recent developments, Prime Minister Ishiba has also directed the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism to evaluate potential revisions to Japan’s automotive safety standards, which former President Trump had criticized as non-tariff trade barriers.
The government plans to convene a comprehensive meeting of all cabinet members on April 25 to finalize negotiation strategies. Expanding rice imports, given domestic shortages, is also being considered as a potential bargaining tool. The top priority for Japan remains securing a review of U.S. automotive tariffs. Akazawa has indicated that the upcoming talks will involve presenting a package of negotiation points to the U.S. side.
The Japanese government is exploring the possibility of increasing imports of U.S.-produced corn as part of ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States. This initiative focuses on utilizing corn for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and livestock feed. Akazawa, Japan’s Minister for Economic Revitalization, will visit the U.S. from April 30 to May 2 to engage in ministerial-level discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent and other officials.
In 2024, Japan imported approximately 11.5 million tons of U.S. corn, valued at 459 billion yen, with over 70% of these imports being duty-free and designated for livestock feed. Prime Minister Ishiba has instructed ministries to assess domestic demand for feed corn. The U.S. has expressed interest in expanding exports for SAF production, a factor Japan is considering.
The U.S. remains the world’s largest corn exporter, with significant exports to China despite trade tensions. Japan is also evaluating increased soybean imports from the U.S. to offset reduced Chinese demand, a strategy that could extend to corn imports.
The government will hold a cabinet meeting on April 25 to finalize negotiation strategies, with a focus on securing a review of U.S. automotive tariffs. Expanding rice imports is also under consideration as a bargaining tool.
