Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 10/2/17


U.S. exports of frozen beef to Japan are down more than quarter in August year over year after Tokyo imposed a tariff in July.
The Japanese government imposed an emergency tariff due to an influx of U.S. frozen beef, from 38.5 percent to 50 percent of the Japanese market, to protect domestic producers.

Japan’s frozen beef imports from the U.S. were 4,317 metric tons (mt) in August, down 26 percent year-over-year.

“This is a sharp decline, but it is important to note that the July-August average was 9,816 mt per month, which is almost exactly the same as a year ago,” said Joe Schuele, spokesman for the U.S. Meat Export Federation. “So it is possible that some of the August decline was due to additional product being ordered ahead of the duty rate increase. Shipments cleared over the next few months will give us a better idea of the actual impact.”

Schuele also noted that Japan’s August chilled beef imports from the U.S. were 13,721 mt, up 54 percent year-over year.

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