Agreement creates long-term certainty in the Japanese market

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Agreement creates long-term certainty in the Japanese market

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the adjustment to the volume-based safeguard for US beef entering Japan is an important first step in furthering trade between the two countries.

NCBA’s senior director of international trade and market access Kent Bacus says there is long-term certainty in the Japanese market.  “That’s really good for US beef producers and Japanese consumers,” he says.  “We don’t have to worry about exceeding our reach in that market.  It means that if consumers want our product in Japan, then we’re going to be able to provide it.”

The volume-based safeguard was triggered in March 2021 and both countries entered consultations to secure improvements that benefited both Japanese consumers and American cattle producers. 

He tells Brownfield the agreement also adds value to US beef.  “Japanese consumers prefer a lot of cuts that Americans are not really paying a premium for,” he says.  “Things like tongues and short plates and that allows us to maximize the overall value of each animal.”

Japan is one of the top export markets for US beef, and accounted for more than $2.3 billion in US beef sales in 2021. 

AUDIO: Kent Bacus, NCBA

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