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Market Chatter: Japanese Ruling Party Weighs Ending US Fresh Potato Ban

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Japan's ruling coalition is considering lifting the longstanding ban on US fresh potato imports to use as a bargaining chip, Nikkei Asia reported Wednesday, citing government sources.

While Japan already permits US potatoes for processing and frozen use, fresh imports remain barred, though the agriculture ministry expects to finalize risk assessments this summer, the news daily said.

If adequate quarantine safeguards are confirmed, shipments could begin as early as 2027, following a formal US request in 2020 and Japan's near-completion of pest evaluations by late 2025, the publication said.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Sandfire Resources Possesses More Attractive Development Opportunities Besides Montana Project, Jefferies Says

Sandfire Resources' (ASX:SFR) more attractive development opportunities besides the Black Butte project in Montana, as well as its modest scale, increase the likelihood of divestment, Jefferies said in a Monday note.The company modeled around 25,000 tonnes per annum of copper over a 12-year life-of-mine and a net present value of AU$91 million for Black Butte. The Lowry reserve increase of 4.7 million tonnes adds around four-years to the Black Butte life-of-mine.Jefferies reduced its capital expenditure forecast in-line with Sandfire's expectations to $475 million. Development of the Lowry deposit remains contingent on regulatory approvals with the company guiding to a six-year process commencing coincident with Johnny Lee deposit access decline development.Sandfire seems to hold an internal preference for the Kalkaroo project, with its increased scale and expedited development timeline, Jefferies noted.The investment firm retained its buy rating on Sandfire Resources with a price target of AU$24.Sandfire Resources' shares slipped 1% in recent Tuesday trade.

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