Japan recently lifted its tariff rate on U.S. frozen beef from 38.5 percent to 50 percent. The next concern for the U.S. cattle industry is the possibility of the Japanese tariff going up on chilled beef. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Craig Uden says an important part of the Japanese market is U.S. chilled beef and they’re watching that closely.

He says it’s imperative the U.S. move ahead with the bilateral deal with Japan however there’s a kink to that in that more appointments need to be in place at the USTR’s office to help make that happen.

Uden says all trade agreements are critical for U.S. cattle producers and America’s trade negotiators need to be vigilant in that process.

Uden says trade is important in being able to grow the U.S..agriculture industry.