AMES, Iowa — News that the U.S. and Japan have reached a tentative trade deal is cause for celebration in Iowa’s cattle industry.
“Japan is the largest value export market for U.S. beef, responsible for about a quarter of all exports. That is despite an incredible tariff disadvantage compared to our competitors,” says Matt Deppe, CEO of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
President Trump announced over the weekend that a tentative agreement has been reached between the two countries, which will lower tariffs on U.S. beef and pork, leveling the playing field for U.S. beef with countries like Australia. The trade agreement is expected to be signed in September.
Earlier this year, Japan eliminated a non-tariff barrier to U.S. beef, as well. Between 2003 and May of 2019, beef from cattle aged 30 months or older was not allowed into Japan.
Japanese customers, like many other international consumers, value variety meats like tongue and offal, which are not in high demand in the United States.
— Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
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