Rural power folks can now buy gear from Japan, says USDA
Published Date: 3/26/2025
Notice
Summary
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) just updated its list of countries where awardees can buy products, now including Japan! This change affects folks in the RUS Telecommunications and Electric Programs, making it easier to shop internationally while following the rules. Keep an eye out for these updates starting now, as they could impact your project budgets and timelines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Telecom awardees may buy from Japan
RUS updated the list of eligible countries for Telecommunications Program awardees to include Japan. The notice (referencing the USTR list and the RUS notice of May 23, 2024) lists Japan among the eligible countries telecommunications awardees may purchase products from.
Electric awardees may buy from Japan
RUS updated the list of eligible countries for Electric Program awardees to include Japan. The Federal Register notice lists Japan among the eligible countries for electric awardees, reflecting the USTR list referenced (including the November 2023 USTR publication and the RUS May 23, 2024 notice).
Country eligibility may be limited by contract rules
The notice states that eligibility of contracts with certain countries may be limited by contract amount or other restrictions, and awardees should contact RUS program staff for additional information. Awardees remain responsible for complying with the RE Act 'Buy American' provision.
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