Japan decision on lifting ban on U.S. fresh potato imports may come earlier

TOKYO - Japan may reach a final decision on whether to lift its import ban on fresh U.S. potatoes for uses other than potato chip production sooner than the two to three years initially expected, government and ruling party sources said Saturday.

The development comes amid growing U.S. pressure as President Donald Trump seeks support from domestic farmers. Some Japanese government officials believe a decision could be reached in about a year, depending on how quickly the United States takes the steps required by Japan, the sources said.