“Hats Off to the Trump Team": Rice Trader Jeremy Zwinger comments on the trade deal with Japan

The new Japan trade deal represents a big win for American agriculture. The agreement includes the purchase of $8 billion of U.S. goods, along with an expansion of rice imports.

Frequent Market Day Report guest Jeremy Zwinger of Farm and Trade joined RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander to discuss how the markets are following the announcement, if it is a big boost for rice producers in the United States, and how big a market Japan is for U.S. rice.

Hear from California rice grower, Charley Mathews Jr., about what the trade deal means to him.

Related Stories
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Decoupled base acres may amplify income inequality and distort planting decisions as farm program payments increase.
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel joins FFA Today to share her story and excitement to connect with FFA members nationwide.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg outlines the Farm Bridge Assistance Program and responds to calls from lawmakers and ag leaders for more assistance and expanded trade opportunities for farmers.
Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.