Latest News From Japan

One of the largest export markets for U.S. pork and beef, Japan, emerges from its post-pandemic restrictions. USMEF Dan Halstrom explains his experience visiting the country for the first time in over two years.

According to the Office of the USTR, the safeguard will allow U.S. exporters to meet Japan’s growing demand for high-quality beef while minimizing the odds that Japan will increase tariffs.

Recognized as one of the greatest opportunities of U.S. red meat exports, trade talks gear up to address the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. USMEF shares its comments on the pillar of resilient trade.

Multiple trade agreements aided in reaching unprecedented levels of red meat exports for 2021. USMEF Economist Erin Borror weighed in on the recent report during the Weekly USMEF Audio Report.

U.S. beef exports to Japan have exceeded the safeguard trigger negotiated under the USJTA which allows for temporary tariff increases. Demand for U.S. beef has surged as supplies from Australia has declined.

Donald Trump and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe touted progress toward a limited trade agreement on Wednesday.

No rest for the U.S. trade team. The negotiators meeting with Japanese officials about a possible trade deal between the two countries with an emphasis on agriculture. AgDay National Reporter Betsy Jibben has more.

Overlooked in some of the euphoria of U.S. beef producers gaining full access into the Japanese market was the announcement that Canadian and Irish beef got the same access.

U.S. beef has full access into the Japanese market for the first time in 16 years, but it is still not at a level playing field compared to countries who remained in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.

U.S. beef has full access into the Japanese market for the first time in 16 years, but it is still not at a level playing field compared to countries who remained in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.

“Friday was a big day for us in the beef business,” said Colin Woodall, vice president of regulatory affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, told AgriTalk host Chip Flory on Monday.

Japan on Friday lifted longstanding restrictions on U.S. beef in an agreement announced by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. The move is expected to pave the way for expanded sales to the U.S.’s top beef export market.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has picked up his barbeque tongs to convey his message to Japan: Buy more American beef.

America’s largest foreign beef customer is shifting to other suppliers as new free trade agreements have created vast blocs excluding the U.S., offering lower tariffs on agricultural and industrial goods.

Japanese authorities are investigating an attempt to smuggle Wagyu semen and eggs from Japan to China.

Beef producing countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Mexico are gaining greater access into Japan thanks to lowered tariffs, giving those exporters a significant advantage over U.S. beef producers.

“There's no other market that can absorb the beef volume and the value of what we're selling into Japan,” said Kent Bacus, NCBA director of trade and market access. “We have level the playing field."

A third generation ranch in Japan that specializes in Wagyu genetics is partnering with a California-based lab-grown meat startup.

A third generation ranch in Japan that specializes in Wagyu genetics is partnering with a California-based lab-grown meat startup.

Beef exports remained on record pace in October, and talks with Japan are just beginning. Japan is the largest value destination for both U.S. beef and pork but the market is intensely competitive.

Japanese officials are considering lifting the 30-month age restriction on beef imported from the United States.

Research from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture indicates that a trade agreement with Japan is crucial for the U.S. beef industry.

Japan is set to restore tariffs on frozen beef from the United States and other countries to usual levels from April 1, ending a hike put in place eight months earlier to protect domestic producers as an emergency.

The January report from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) showed Japan is maintaining a large appetite for U.S. beef products.

Japan's biggest exporter of premium Wagyu beef, expects shipments to climb to a record as demand from Taiwan is set to triple and exports to Brazil may begin.

Uncertainty in trade agreements have four of the five top beef markets in jeopardy.

Japan’s imports of U.S. beef jump on strong demand and higher yen.