NCBA Responds to Japan Raising Tariff on US Beef Imports
US - The Japanese government has planned safeguard measures for frozen US beef imports, as it is likely to hit the nation’s restaurants and supermarkets hard.
31 July 2017
2 minute read
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"NCBA opposes artificial barriers like these because they unfairly distort the market and punish both producers and consumers. Nobody wins in this situation."
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Craig Uden issued a statement in response to the announcement that the Government of Japan is triggering the safeguard tariff increase on frozen beef imports.
Mr Uden said: "We're very disappointed to learn that the tariff on frozen beef imports to Japan will increase from 38.5 per cent to 50 per cent until April 2018.
"Japan is the top export market for US beef in both volume and value, and anything that restricts our sales to Japan will have a negative impact on America’s ranching families and our Japanese consumers.
"NCBA opposes artificial barriers like these because they unfairly distort the market and punish both producers and consumers.
"Nobody wins in this situation. Our producers lose access, and beef becomes a lot more expensive for Japanese consumers.
"We hope the Trump Administration and Congress realize that this unfortunate development underscores the urgent need for a bilateral trade agreement with Japan absent the Trans-Pacific Partnership."
Background: Japan was the top export market for US beef, valued at $1.5 billion in 2016. According to data compiled by the US Meat Export Federation, first quarter US beef sales to Japan increased 42 per cent over 2016. In addition to the United States, the 50 per cent safeguard tariff also applies to imports from Canada, New Zealand, and other countries that do not have a free trade agreement with Japan.
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