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Japan and Brazil agree new beef protocols
09 December 2015
Recent bi-lateral discussions between the two countries resulted in Japan resuming imports of heat-processed beef from the South American supplier, as well as gaining market access for beef exports to the country.
Imports of prepared meat products from Brazil into Japan was about 6,700 tonnes swt in 2011 (including non-beef items), before trade was halted in December 2012 following the discovery of (atypical) BSE case in Brazil.
For Japan, Brazil will be the first South American country to receive Japanese beef– presumably the highly marbled, high value Japanese Wagyu beef. Shipments will commence after inspections by the Brazilian authorities, and certification of meat processing plants by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
In October 2015, Japan also gained access for heat processed beef products into Australia, however access for fresh beef is still being negotiated between the two governments.
