January 12, 2004

Japan Seen As Key To Reviving Global Meat Markets

Japan is seen as the key to reviving global meat markets over the next few weeks, according to Canada Pork International.

Canada Pork International Executive Director Jacques Pomerleau says what's unclear now is how long the ban on US beef will remain in effect and key is when and if Japan will reopen its border to the US.

"The Prime Minister of Japan made it very clear that he expects the Americans to have the same kind of control over beef as they have in Japan.

If the Japanese maintain that decision it could take awhile before US beef is back in Japan and it's really the leader.

Japan was by far the best market for US beef exports but there are others as well. Till date 30 countries closed their door to US beef and, based on the Japanese reactions, others might use that as a pretense to keep their market closed to the US.

Really now it's between the US and Japan. It's difficult for the US industry to re-open the Japanese market unless they agree to the Japanese requirements and that has to be negotiated.

Right now it doesn't seem that the Japanese government is willing to yield on this one."

Pomerleau says there is hope that the Canadian Agriculture Minister's trade mission to Japan, Korea and Mexico will shed some light on the situation but he admits the outcome doesn't look hopeful.