Japan Eliminates Restrictions on US Beef Imports

The U.S. and Japan agreed to eliminate restrictions on U.S. beef exports, allowing U.S. cattle of all ages to be sold in Japan for the first time since 2003, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a May 17 press release. Japan previously banned and then later imposed age restrictions on U.S. beef imports, USDA said, eventually lifting the age restriction in January for beef from the U.S., Canada and Ireland. The decision came after a meeting between Japanese government officials and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and after consultations between the two countries on revising Japan’s import requirements. USDA estimated the change could increase U.S. beef exports to Japan “by up to $200 million annually.” USDA said the new rules and conditions will be posted May 20. “This is great news for American ranchers and exporters who now have full access to the Japanese market for their high-quality, safe, wholesome, and delicious U.S. beef,” Perdue said in a statement.