United States Beef Imports in Japan See Shift in Policy

The United States beef imports in Japan have seen a significant shift in policy in recent years. The government of Japan has been working to increase the amount of US beef imports, particularly from regions that are considered to be BSE-free.

This change in policy is largely due to the efforts of the US and Japanese governments to strengthen their trade relationship. The US has been a major supplier of beef to Japan, and the country's beef industry has been a key focus area for trade negotiations.

In 2020, the US and Japan signed a trade agreement that included provisions for increased US beef imports. This agreement has helped to boost US beef exports to Japan, with the country becoming one of the top destinations for US beef.

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In late 2003, Japan suspended all imports of American beef due to a single BSE case in Washington.

Japan had been the largest export market for US beef, valued at $1.2 billion in 2003.

In December 2005, Japan agreed to remove the restriction on importing US beef, but imports stopped again in January 2006 due to bone material found in a shipment of veal from New York State.

US agriculture secretary Mike Johanns conceded that the shipment had violated the Japanese regulations.

On 27 July 2006, Japan lifted the ban on imports of beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger.

Only meat from cattle that is less than 21 months old is accepted, with spinal cords, vertebrae, brains, and bone marrow removed.

The government prioritized the political schedule between the two countries over food safety and human health, according to Michiko Kamiyama and Yoko Tomiyama.

In 2019, the US and Japan struck a trade deal to lift the beef import ban, allowing US beef to enter the market regardless of age.

American beef sales to Japan topped $2 billion in 2018, representing approximately one-fourth of all US beef exports.

The 2019 trade deal provided a timeline to lower or remove many of Japan's tariffs on American beef.

Exports of US beef to Japan totaled almost $2.4 billion in 2021, out of global sales of beef and beef product exports from the United States valued at more than $10 billion.

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NCBA is very disappointed with the tariff increase on frozen beef imports to Japan, which will now be 50 per cent until April 2018.

Japan is the top export market for US beef, valued at $1.5 billion in 2016.

NCBA opposes artificial barriers like tariffs because they unfairly distort the market and punish both producers and consumers.

The tariff increase will have a negative impact on America’s ranching families and Japanese consumers, making beef more expensive for them.

Japan was the top export market for US beef in both volume and value, and the US beef sales to Japan increased 42 per cent in the first quarter of 2017 over 2016.

The 50 per cent safeguard tariff also applies to imports from Canada, New Zealand, and other countries that do not have a free trade agreement with Japan.

NCBA hopes the Trump Administration and Congress will realize the urgent need for a bilateral trade agreement with Japan to avoid such restrictions.

Japan's decision to lift the ban on US beef imports was a significant step forward for American ranchers and exporters.

In 2006, Japan lifted the ban on imports of beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger, allowing US beef to enter the market with certain conditions. These conditions included removing spinal cords, vertebrae, brains, and bone marrow.

However, it wasn't until 2019 that Japan agreed to remove the age restrictions on US beef imports, clearing the way for US products to enter the market regardless of age. This trade deal was a major victory for US agriculture.

The US agriculture secretary, Sonny Perdue, hailed the trade deal, stating that it was great news for American ranchers and exporters. The deal also provided a timeline to lower or remove many of Japan's tariffs on American beef.

In 2022, a further agreement was put in place to decrease the threat of beef trade interruptions between the countries. This move was seen as a major step forward for the US beef industry.

Japan's decision to lift the ban on US beef imports was not taken lightly, and the country's inspectors had to tour American meat-processing plants to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Japan's beef import market has been growing steadily, with a significant increase in US beef imports over the past few years.

In 2020, the US exported over 23,000 tons of beef to Japan, a 12% increase from the previous year.

The US has been working to gain a larger share of Japan's beef market, which is currently dominated by Australian and New Zealand imports.

US beef exports to Japan are expected to continue growing, driven by increasing demand for high-quality beef.

The US Department of Agriculture has been actively promoting US beef in Japan, highlighting its quality and safety features to Japanese consumers and foodservice operators.

Japan's import regulations, such as the country's strict food safety standards, have also played a role in the growth of US beef imports.

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