Industry News

Japan Considers Easing of Import Restrictions on U.S. Beef

10/28/2010


The United States (U.S.) and Japan are currently in talks concerning Japan’s request for information related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).  The U.S. is providing Japan with information on BSE in types of beef from U.S. cattle that Japan does not currently import.  Critics saw this as a step by Japan toward easing its restraint on imports of beef from cattle over 20 months old.  The data acquired by Japan could be used to conduct risk assessment on beef from cattle over 20 months of age.  This could be the first step in relaxing of import restraints upon beef from cattle older than 20 months from U.S.

Japan was once the largest foreign market for U.S. beef.   Prior to 2003, Japan’s imports of beef products from the United States valued approximately $1.2 billion.  This figure fell dramatically to $31 million following a total ban imposed by Japan in 2003 following a case of BSE discovered in Washington State.  The U.S. has been urging Japan to relax these restrictions.  Japan slightly relaxed the restrictions in 2005 by implementing the age cutoff and also requiring that brains, vertebrate, spinal cord, and bone marrow be properly removed before export. 

The restriction on imports of beef from cattle older than 20 months is still in force due to discrepancies in their food safety standards.  Currently, Japan imports about $496 million worth beef per year.  Some industry groups and lawmakers indicate that Japan’s restrictions are not based on sound science and are inconsistent with international guidelines.

Officials from Japan and the U.S. continue to work on this issue, though when and if Japan will relax its current restrictions remains unclear.