U.S. Goes After Japan on Apples

May 13, 2002

The United States will initiate a case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Japan on a claim that Japan unfairly restricts imports of U.S. apples. The Japanese refuse to import almost any American apples even though the apples are certified as safe by U.S. authorities, according to the U.S. trade representative's office.

Joint U.S.-Japanese scientific research has demonstrated that the apples are free of fire blight, a plant bacterial disease that Japan claims is the basis of its plant restrictions on U.S. imports.

For many years, the United States has sought to increase access for U.S. apples in the Japanese market to no avail, USTR said. In pursuing a case at the WTO, the United States will argue that Japan is violating international trade rules by blocking American apples without any scientific or health basis.

"U.S. farmers want to sell our world class apples to Japanese consumers, but they are being blocked. The United States has gone to great lengths to find a scientifically based resolution to this issue. Unfortunately, Japan refuses to modify its onerous import restrictions, despite scientific evidence that they are safe. We are pursuing WTO dispute settlement proceedings to ensure that Japan abides by its WTO obligations to base its plant health regulations on science," said U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick.

"U.S. apples are of high quality and meet strict standards for quality and safety," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman. "The United States has attempted to work with Japan to resolve these unfair trade practices. We hope this action will result in a resolution to allow our farmers access to the Japanese market."

Fire blight affects certain types of plants, including pear and apple trees, but does not affect humans. Scientific evidence demonstrates that mature, apples without symptoms are not carriers of fire blight. The United States exports $393 million of apples worldwide with few restrictions for fire blight.

However, Japan imposes severe restrictions on imports of U.S. apples including unnecessary and costly inspections. These Japanese restrictions limited U.S. apple exports to Japan to only $377,000 in 2001. In comparison, the United States exports $46 million worth of apples to Taiwan.