Following months of negotiations, Japan has announced a resumption of U.S. beef imports from cattle 20 months of age and younger. NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Truitt says this is great news for American cattlemen, but NCBA will keep working hard for expanded trade based on sound science and international guidelines.

Cut #1        :29        Outcue... "Japanese consumers."

Truitt says work is already underway to get an expanded range of products approved for export to Japan, and this is essential if Japan is to return to its pre-BSE level of trade in terms of financial benefit to the U.S. beef industry. 

Cut #2        :35        Outcue... "U.S. producers’ pocketbooks"

These latest developments make the need for sanctions or retaliation against Japan unlikely. But Truitt says that as that strategy was considered, cattlemen found many friends on Capitol Hill who understand the importance of U.S beef exports to America’s economy. He’s confident cattlemen will get the help they need, should trade with Japan reach another impasse.

Cut #3        :42        Outcue... "some resolution."

Truitt added that Japan’s action may help build momentum for resumption of exports to South Korea, which is critical as the U.S. and South Korea continue negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). 

Cut #4        :35        Outcue... "negotiate the FTA."