JAPAN

Grain Market Activity Defended: Japan’s farm minister attacked the United States for demanding better access to its feed grains market. U.S. farmers want lower tariffs and a simpler feed production and distribution system within Japan, which they say would enable them to increase their exports of feed grains. In trade talks in Washington, U.S. officials listed feed grains, glass, car parts and insurance as Japanese markets difficult for foreigners to enter. “Japan depends (on imported corn) for 99.9% of its total consumption. How could we buy any more than what we do now?” Masami Tanabu, minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, told a news conference.