TPP-11 exporters gain ground over US in Japan's beef market

Shipments from members jump while Washington presses for bilateral deal

20190228 20180727N frozen beef

The U.S. and Australia combined make up most of Japan's frozen beef imports.

CONNOR CISLO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Beef producers in the 11-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement enjoyed a surge in sales to Japan in January, as ranchers benefited from lower tariffs than their U.S. competitors.

Beef imports from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Mexico, all of which have approved the trade pact, surged to 33,000 metric tons in January, up 56% from the previous year, according to Japan's Finance Ministry. The tariff rate for these countries dropped to 27.5% from 38.5% after the agreement took effect.

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