Weekly USMEF Audio Report: U.S. – Japan Trade Agreement Takes Major Step Toward Implementation
DENVER, CO -December 9, 2019 – The Japanese Parliament has approved a trade agreement that significantly improves access for U.S. beef and pork exports to Japan. In a statement, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) says it is preparing for the agreement to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom says the agreement is tremendous news for the U.S. meat industry because it will bring Japan’s import tariffs on U.S. beef and pork in line with those imposed on major competitors. Beef from Australia, Canada, Mexico and New Zealand has enjoyed a tariff rate advantage in Japan through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Canadian and Mexican pork also achieved tariff reductions through CPTPP, and pork from the European Union received similar relief through an economic partnership agreement with Japan.
Halstrom praises USTR and USDA for achieving major gains for U.S. agriculture through this agreement, and credits the pro-trade policies of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for creating expanded opportunities in the largest value destination for U.S. beef and pork exports.
Halstrom on Japan Ratification 12-8-19
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (www.USMEF.org) is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry. It is funded by USDA; the beef, pork, lamb, corn and soybean checkoff programs, as well as its members representing nine industry sectors: beef/veal producing & feeding, pork producing & feeding, lamb producing & feeding, packing & processing, purveying & trading, oilseeds producing, feedgrains producing, farm organizations and supply & service organizations.
Submitted to the BARN by:
Joe Schuele
Vice President, Communications
U.S. Meat Export Federation
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