Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told his country’s parliament this week he’s open to a bilateral trade deal with the United States. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Craig Uden who ranches near Elwood, Nebraska is encouraged by the news.

He says it’s important to have a free trade agreement with Japan to lower tariffs on U.S. beef exported into Japan that have been hurting the cattle industry.

Uden says the costs of not having an FTA with Japan is massive and grows every day it’s not in place.

Abe made his trade comments after visiting the U.S. and meeting with President Donald Trump. The two leaders agreed to launch high level economic talks, including a bilateral trade framework.