LINCOLN, Neb. — As global trade discussions progress, Nebraska could see benefits from potential agreements with Japan. Recent trade talks have hinted at a deal that may involve Nebraska’s agricultural produce, according to Nebraska trade representative Jordan Schlake.
“This year has been a good year for corn exports from the U.S. to Japan. And I think they could talk to some industry about prioritizing the U.S. some more,” said Schlake.
The Trump administration previously imposed a 24% tariff on all Japanese exports and an additional 25% tariff on auto exports to the U.S. Meanwhile, Japan maintains high tariffs on key American exports, including over 700% on American rice. According to Schlake, the Japanese prime minister and key officials are discussing the increase of Japan’s imports of U.S. agricultural products, such as soybeans and corn, particularly for feedstock and ethanol.
According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Japan imported $906 million in corn and $282 million in soybeans in the first three months of 2025. Japan is the second-largest importer of U.S. corn, having imported $2.7 billion worth in 2024.
Schlake noted that Nebraska is geographically well-positioned to increase its exports to Japan from Western ports. “I think Nebraska would be definitely one of the top suppliers, just given we’re already so large anyway, and given our good Western location too,” he said.
However, any potential trade talks Japan has with the U.S. involving agriculture will need to balance a tricky political situation. Japan is currently facing high domestic rice prices due to poor harvests. American rice imported from places like California is sold at a much lower price. Although the Trump administration is pushing for increased imports in rice, the Japanese government faces pressure from rice farmers not to import American rice. Schlake emphasized that investing in corn and soy, particularly in ethanol, would be a safer political move for Japan.
“And if you get a major market like Japan to really embrace sustainable aviation fuel, I think that would be a winning ticket,” Schlake said.
He added that discussions around ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel have been increasing in Japan. If an agreement is reached and Japanese demand for corn products grows, Nebraska could secure a growing market and a steady trade partner.
“In Nebraska, we’re just so well positioned to be a leader in that,” Schlake said. “There’s a lot of work involved there. But, you know Nebraska, we stepped up to those challenges in the past. So I don’t see why this one would be any different.”