05.17.19

Hoeven Statement on U.S. Beef Exports to Japan

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Committee and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. and Japan have agreed to allow U.S. cattle products, regardless of age, to enter Japan. USDA estimates this new agreement will increase U.S. beef exports by up to $200 million each year. Beginning in 2003, Japan banned all U.S. beef and beef products due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease and since 2013 has only allowed beef and beef products from cattle less than 30 months of age. This agreement will bring Japan in line with the current international guidelines for BSE. 

“We appreciate Secretary Perdue’s work to negotiate better trade for our producers this week during his meetings in Japan. This new agreement will bring Japan in line with international guidelines for BSE, which is an important step as the Administration continues to negotiate a trade agreement with Japan,” said Hoeven. “As negotiations continue, we encourage the Administration to ensure that we bring down Japanese tariffs and secure a better trade agreement for our farmers and ranchers.”        

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