An increase in Japan?s first quarter, frozen beef imports has triggered an automatic increase in the country?s tariff rate.
Japan announced plans increase to tariff rates Friday. Beginning August 1st, the tariff rate will rise 11.5 percent, to 50 percent. The tariff will remain in effect through March 31, 2018. The increased tariff will affect those countries that do not have free trade agreements with Japan, such as the United States.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement in regard to the pending increased tariff rate:
?I am concerned that an increase in Japan?s tariff on frozen beef imports will impede U.S. beef sales, and will likely increase the United States? overall trade deficit with Japan,? Perdue said. ?This would harm our important bilateral trade relationship with Japan on agricultural products. It would also negatively affect Japanese consumers by raising prices and limiting their access to high-quality U.S. frozen beef. I have asked representatives of the Japanese government directly and clearly to make every effort to address these strong concerns, and the harm that could result to both the American producers and Japanese consumers.?
U.S. exports of beef and beef products to Japan totaled $1.5 billion last year, making Japan the United States? top market.
