This September California Citrus Mutual reported that the United States had struck a new market access agreement with Japan. The agreement was not subject to Congressional approval; we have been awaiting approval by the Japanese National Diet. On December 4, 2019, the Japanese National Diet approved the market access agreement. This is welcome news to the California citrus industry and will put our industry back in line with competing countries. Beginning January 1, 2020, the tariff rate for California oranges entering Japan will be reduced from 32% to 25%.
