On August 25th it was announced that the U.S. and Japan had agreed in principle on a trade deal that will greatly improve access for U.S. red meat in Japan, the largest value destination for U.S. pork and beef exports. This week, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has been leading a delegation of pork, beef, corn and soybean producers and other U.S. ag industry leaders in Japan. During a media conference call Thursday morning, USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom explained who was involved with the trip and that key customers in Japan are looking forward to gaining better access to U.S. red meat products.
The U.S. ag industry leaders are in Japan through Saturday.