Beef

In 2007, U.S. beef exports to Japan increased by 265% to 44,718 mt valued at nearly $230 million. As of August 2008, exports were up 64% in volume and value over the same period in 2007. Japanese regulations currently limit imports of U.S. beef to cattle under 20 months of age or those that are graded A40 or below. Changes in the import system, which would dramatically increase U.S. exports to Japan, are expected to occur during 2009. However, reaching full OIE consistency may prove difficult as recent changes to the political landscape has seen the third Prime Minister in just over two years and the opposition party gain control of the weaker Upper House, making major policy changes more difficult for the ruling party.   Recent food safety scandals involving imported and domestic products have shaken consumer confidence and led to discussions of a Cabinet level consumer agency. 

Strategic Market Profile: Japan - Beef (PDF)

Japan was the number one destination for U.S. pork exports in 2007, with a 6% increase in volume to 358,582 mt and an 11% increase in value to $1.152 billion. This represented 29% of all U.S. pork exports in 2007. Year-to-date (August) 2008, export volumes to Japan are up by 25%, and export values are up by 29% compared to the same period in 2007. As the largest import market in the world, Japan has become the primary target of many countries striving to capture some of the high premiums from this lucrative market and further develop their own pork industries.  Food safety concerns, mainly stemming from imported Chinese products as well as from domestic mislabeling and fraud are pushing the topic to the forefront of consumers’ minds and the top of political agendas.