April 3, 2013

Japan has permitted imports of beef from all US cattle less than 30 months of age effective February 1, 2013, a decision that removes most of the restrictions imposed on imports of US beef at the end of 2003.

In late 2003, Japan banned US beef in reaction to the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the US. In 2005, Japan reopened its market to US beef imports from cattle slaughtered at less than 21 months of age.

However, US beef exports to Japan, as well as Japanese beef consumption, have not recovered to the levels they reached in 2003 and earlier.

The latest action is expected to lead to a further rebound in the volume of US beef and by-products exported to Japan; to allow somewhat lower prices in Japan for US beef; and to raise the value of beef carcasses in the US.