Halstrom Observations on Post-COVID Return to Japan

Japan is one of the United States’ strongest trading partners for red meat, but continued COVID restrictions have limited the return of the foodservice sector in the country. Restrictions have been gradually eased, and restaurant traffic is beginning to rebound.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom recently made his first post-COVID trip to Japan and offers some observations in this USMEF report. He notes that even with fewer restrictions, Japanese consumers are still wary of large gatherings and public spaces. As those concerns subside, foodservice demand is expected to grow rapidly as it has in the U.S. and other countries, providing expanded opportunity for U.S. red meat and especially for U.S. beef.

Inflationary pressures, meanwhile, are providing opportunity for U.S. pork in the retail sector, Halstrom explains.

Also in this report, Halstrom previews the upcoming celebration of the 45th anniversary of USMEF’s partnership in Japan.

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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. USMEF complies with all equal opportunity, non-discrimination and affirmative action measures applicable to it by contract, government rule or regulation or as otherwise provided by law. USMEF is an equal opportunity employer and provider.