Japan: Japan Lifts Age Restriction on U.S. Beef

On May 17, Japan formally removed the requirement that U.S. beef exported to Japan be derived from cattle less than 30 months of age. U.S. exporters can now export beef from cattle of any age to Japan for the first time since 2003. Expanded access could increase U.S. exports to Japan by up to $200 million annually. U.S. beef exports to Japan must comply with the requirements of the USDA export verification program described in this report.

Japan: Japan Lifts Age Restriction on U.S. Beef