On August 25, President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced an agreement in principle that will greatly improve access for U.S. red meat in Japan – the largest value destination for U.S. pork and beef exports. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom says the deal is important for leveling the competitive playing field in Japan for U.S. pork and beef,

U.S. beef and pork currently face significant tariff disadvantages compared to products imported from countries participating in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

Halstrom will be leading a delegation of pork, beef, corn and soybean producers and other U.S. ag industry leaders that will visit Japan in early September, and he notes that key customers in Japan will also be pleased to be gaining better access to U.S. red meat products.

He says the U.S.has been gaining market share and expanding despite the 12-percent duty disadvantage.