Dear Prime Minister Abe:
We were very pleased with Japan’s recent announcement that it will be accepting beef and beef products from cattle up to 30 months old. This is a very positive development for our trade relationship, and a critical step towards bringing Japan’s import practices fully into line with science-based international standards. It is also good news for ranchers and beef packers in our states, and for consumers throughout Japan.
The late Senator Mike Mansfield often said, “The U.S.-Japan relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, bar none." The numbers seem to support Senator Mansfield’s assertion, as trade in goods between our countries was close to $200 billion in 2012. It is important that our economic relationship continue to grow and remain strong. Increasing market access and making decisions based on scientific standards is essential for this to happen. Senator Mansfield would no doubt join us in being pleased by your recent announcement, as an advocate of an ever-closer relationship between our two great countries.
U.S. ranchers produce world-class beef that is 100 percent safe. Our high quality product is a source of pride, and increasingly in demand in the global market. Over the last decade, new markets have emerged, and exports to our historic partners, including Japan, have increased. In fact, Japan is one of the biggest markets for U.S. beef. In 2012, sales of U.S. beef to Japan topped $1 billion, and with your government’s recent announcement, this number will continue to grow. We appreciate the steps you have taken, and look forward to further steps consistent with science-based international standards.
Sincerely,
Senator Max Baucus Senator Jon Tester Senator Thad Cochran Senator Heidi Heitkamp Senator Michael Bennet Senator Tim Johnson Senator Claire McCaskill Senator Pat Roberts Senator John Thune Senator Jerry Moran Senator Roy Blunt Senator John Hoeven
Source: Ranking Member’s News
