Imported meat fills Japan's cold warehouses to the seams

Freight headed for Tokyo is often held at faraway facilities

20200317N imported beef

Meat imports have increased 40% over the decade since 2009. © Reuters

KEIGO YOSHIDA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Cold-storage facilities in the greater Tokyo area are operating beyond capacity as recent free trade agreements have led to a surge in meat imports.

Freezer and refrigerated warehouses in Tokyo logged an inventory ratio of 40.4% for January, or above the 38% deemed as the capacity threshold, according to the Japan Association of Refrigerated Warehouses. The ratio in the Yokohama area was worse at 44.9%.

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