This should help the Choice/Select spread since the Japanese generally what higher quality beef.
"The Japanese market is now open to U.S. beef products, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns announced early this morning.
"Resuming beef trade with Japan is great news for American producers and Japanese consumers, as well as an important step toward normalized trade based on scientifically sound, internationally recognized standards," Johanns said.
According to the agreement announced today, the United States is able to export beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger to Japan. More than 94% of total U.S. ruminant and ruminant products, with a total export value of $1.7 billion in 2003, are now eligible for export to Japan, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported.
Johanns thanked those involved in opening the border and offered hope for similar action in other countries.
"Japan's action today sets an excellent example for other countries in Asia whose markets remain closed," Johanns said. "Now is the time for Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and others to open their markets to U.S. beef. I urge all countries to take a science-based approach and adopt OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) standards for allowing beef trade."
In 2003, the United States exported $1.4 billion worth of beef and beef products to Japan. USDA reports that, with the opening of Japan, 67 countries have now established trade to at least selected U.S. beef and beef products."
"The Japanese market is now open to U.S. beef products, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns announced early this morning.
"Resuming beef trade with Japan is great news for American producers and Japanese consumers, as well as an important step toward normalized trade based on scientifically sound, internationally recognized standards," Johanns said.
According to the agreement announced today, the United States is able to export beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger to Japan. More than 94% of total U.S. ruminant and ruminant products, with a total export value of $1.7 billion in 2003, are now eligible for export to Japan, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported.
Johanns thanked those involved in opening the border and offered hope for similar action in other countries.
"Japan's action today sets an excellent example for other countries in Asia whose markets remain closed," Johanns said. "Now is the time for Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and others to open their markets to U.S. beef. I urge all countries to take a science-based approach and adopt OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) standards for allowing beef trade."
In 2003, the United States exported $1.4 billion worth of beef and beef products to Japan. USDA reports that, with the opening of Japan, 67 countries have now established trade to at least selected U.S. beef and beef products."
