The Japanese government is considering the possibility of proposing increasing rice imports from the United States within the existing "minimum access" system in bilateral tariff talks.
Expanding imports of US agricultural products is expected to be one of the focal points of the negotiations over US tariff measures.
During last week's talks with Japan, the US reportedly listed rice, meat, potatoes and other products as trade items of interest.
The Japanese government currently imports about 770,000 tons of tariff-free rice annually under the "minimum access" system. In the last fiscal year, more than 340,000 tons were imported from the US through this program.
Japanese government officials are considering a possible plan to increase US rice imports within this existing system in order to limit the impact on Japanese rice farmers.
Some officials have suggested setting an import quota for US rice, as it was once agreed in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations.
Other options suggested include increasing imports of soybeans, corn and other products.
The Japanese government is expected to make arrangements in preparation for the next round of talks.
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