US adopts softer line over Japanese beef trade rules

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack started a renewed campaign Wednesday (Apr 7) to persuade Japan to ease its long-standing restrictions on US beef exports over mad cow disease.

Vilsack chose his words carefully in brief comments a day before meeting with his Japanese counterpart Hirotaka Akamatsu, who has already said Japan was unlikely to budge on the issue.

"Our hope is that we in the US can express a great deal of flexibility in terms of how we move forward,'' Vilsack commented on talks over easing the rule.

His tone reflected a change in Washington's approach since passionate words were exchanged across the Pacific under former president George W. Bush, when US farm state lawmakers pushed for trade sanctions against Japan.

Japan agreed in 2006 to accept US beef from cattle under 20 months of age, but still bans high-risk parts such as brains and spine bones. Washington has pushed Tokyo to open markets for cattle up to 30 months old.

Akamatsu, who took the post in September, has clearly said he had no plan to change the government's rules, but welcomed Vilsack's approach, saying Japan is willing to listen if Washington is ready for dialogue.

The two sides have not held talks on beef trade since 2007.

Japan is ready to create a forum for exchanges at both the political and administrative levels over US beef export concerns, according to Akamatsu.