On October 16, 2018, USTR notified the Congress of the Administration’s intention to enter into negotiations with Japan for a Trade Agreement. In order to seek comments before the public hearing held on December 10, 2018, the USTR launched a request for comments on trade barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as well as customs and trade facilitation among other issues.
Also, in preparation for negotiations, on October 26, 2018, USTR asked the International Trade Commission (ITC) to analyze the potential economic effects of removing tariffs on agricultural goods and granting duty-free treatment for competitive imports from Japan. The letter lists sensitive agricultural products to be considered, including pistachios, dates, raisins, and peanuts, among others.
Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 208. Friday, October 26, 2018. Pages 54164-54165