U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack have announced that the U.S. and Japan have agreed on new terms and conditions which pave the way for expanded exports of U.S. beef and beef products to Japan.
Under these new terms, which enter into effect on February 1, Japan will now permit the import of beef from cattle less than 30 months of age, compared to the previous limit of 20 months, among other steps. It is estimated that these changes will result in hundreds of millions of dollars in exports of U.S. beef to Japan in the coming years. This agreement also goes a long way toward normalizing trade with Japan by addressing long-standing restrictions that Japan introduced in response to bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
“This is great news for American ranchers and beef companies, who can now — as a result of this agreement — increase their exports of U.S. beef to their largest market for beef in Asia,” said Kirk. “This represents a significant and historic step in expanding U.S. beef trade with Japan and growing American exports and jobs here at home. We welcome Japan’s action.”
Vilsack said the move will boost the bottom line for America's agriculture. "We are in the most successful period in history for America’s agriculture sector, with agricultural exports this year expected to set yet another record,” said Vilsack. “We will continue our efforts to break down barriers and expand access for high-quality, safe and wholesome U.S. food and agricultural products to Japan and around the world.”
The two governments also agreed to regular and ad hoc consultations to review progress under the agreement and address any issues that may arise.
Under these new terms, which enter into effect on February 1, Japan will now permit the import of beef from cattle less than 30 months of age, compared to the previous limit of 20 months, among other steps. It is estimated that these changes will result in hundreds of millions of dollars in exports of U.S. beef to Japan in the coming years. This agreement also goes a long way toward normalizing trade with Japan by addressing long-standing restrictions that Japan introduced in response to bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
“This is great news for American ranchers and beef companies, who can now — as a result of this agreement — increase their exports of U.S. beef to their largest market for beef in Asia,” said Kirk. “This represents a significant and historic step in expanding U.S. beef trade with Japan and growing American exports and jobs here at home. We welcome Japan’s action.”
Vilsack said the move will boost the bottom line for America's agriculture. "We are in the most successful period in history for America’s agriculture sector, with agricultural exports this year expected to set yet another record,” said Vilsack. “We will continue our efforts to break down barriers and expand access for high-quality, safe and wholesome U.S. food and agricultural products to Japan and around the world.”
The two governments also agreed to regular and ad hoc consultations to review progress under the agreement and address any issues that may arise.
