USMEF Statement on Adjustments to Japan’s Safeguard on U.S. Beef

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced changes to the safeguard on Japan's imports of U.S. beef. More details are available in this joint press release.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

"USMEF greatly appreciates the efforts of USTR and USDA to adjust Japan’s safeguard on U.S. beef. The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement was a tremendous breakthrough for the U.S. meat industry, including the significant reduction in Japan's tariffs on U.S. beef, but the playing field has not been entirely level due to this safeguard. The changes announced today reduce the potential impact of the safeguard and make it less disruptive for U.S. exporters and their customers in Japan."

U.S. beef exports to Japan exceeded 320,000 metric tons in 2021 and set a new value record at $2.38 billion. But U.S. beef was subject to a higher tariff than its competitors for 30 days, from mid-March to mid-April, after imports exceeded the safeguard volume.

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