U.S.-Japan wheat deal

Averting what may have been a major hit to Whitman County wheat exports, the United States and Japan announced Sept. 24 drops in tariffs that would amount to 55 cents less per bushel of U.S. wheat, including Whitman County western white wheat and hard red winter and spring, which Japan selects for its millers.

The reduction came after an increase in April, after the 11-nation Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) went into effect, without the U.S. joining.

In turn, American wheat-export rivals Australia and Canada suddenly paid $20 less tariffs per metri...