USMEF Audio: Japanese Elections Add to Uncertainty for U.S. Exports

Sept. 3, 2009 - The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) scored an overwhelming victory in Japan’s elections Sunday, capturing an even larger majority than expected in the lower house of the Diet (Japan’s parliament). The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) not only lost its long-standing majority, but also saw several of its most influential leaders defeated in their bids for reelection.

Of particular concern for the U.S. meat industry is the fact that the DPJ, in its role as the primary opposition party in recent years, has taken a relatively harder line against expanded access for beef imports from the United States. Interviewed at the World Pork Conference in China, U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Philip Seng offered his thoughts on the significance of this major change in Japan’s political landscape.

Audio Clip #1:              :40        Outcue:            (…this new administration.)

Seng emphasized that the United States simply wants fair treatment for products exported to Japan, based on sound, scientific guidelines.

Audio Clip #2:              :20        Outcue:            (…soon to say.)

The United States has been working for several years to expand the supply of U.S. beef eligible for export to Japan. Currently, exports are limited to beef from cattle less than 21 months of age. While beef exports to Japan have been on the rise, this restriction has hindered U.S. efforts to retain market share in what once was the No. 1 foreign market for U.S. beef. Seng says that given the new political climate in Japan, making further progress this issue will require skillful negotiation and very careful attention to detail.

Audio Clip #3:              :36        Outcue:             (…in the first place.)

Seng is currently in China with USMEF’s officers. They will travel to South Korea Sept. 5-8 to appraise the climate for U.S. beef exports, followed by a stop in Japan next week to continue assessment of the impact of Japan’s national elections.

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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 and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, corn and soybean checkoff programs.

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.