US meat exports poised for continued growth under new US-Japan agreement
The agreement includes US$550 billion in promised Japanese investment and reduced tariffs on imports
USA – President Donald Trump recently announced a new trade and investment agreement between the United States and Japan, describing it as one of the largest economic deals in US history.
The deal is expected to bring in US$550 billion in Japanese investment into the American economy, according to details shared on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social.
A fact sheet from the White House indicated that the funding will support domestic manufacturing and create hundreds of thousands of jobs in various industries across the country.
Under the agreement, the United States will retain 90 percent of the profits generated from the incoming investments.
Alongside the financial investment, the agreement sets a 15 percent tariff rate for imports from Japan, altering previous trade conditions between the two countries.
The White House noted that the tariff system, paired with increased American exports and local production, is expected to generate revenue while helping to reduce the trade gap with Japan.
As part of the trade terms, Japan has agreed to increase access for American products in sectors such as food, energy, aviation, and consumer goods.
According to the agreement, Japan will purchase US$8 billion (approx. KSh 1 trillion) worth of US goods including soybeans, corn, fertilizers, bioethanol, and sustainable aviation fuel.
In addition, Japan will immediately raise its imports of US rice by 75 percent, expanding the presence of American agriculture in its domestic market.
Impact on US meat industry
The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) welcomed the deal, pointing out Japan’s status as the second-largest destination for American beef and pork exports.
Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of USMEF, said the agreement strengthens long-term ties that have benefited both US meat producers and Japanese consumers for years.
He noted that the previous trade pact during Trump’s first term helped US red meat regain competitive footing in the Japanese market.
Halstrom added that the new agreement builds on that foundation and signals ongoing cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
The USMEF expressed support for continued collaboration with trade officials and hopes the latest developments will drive further growth for American livestock and meat exports.
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