U.S. beef shipments to Japan decline

In January, the US saw a 6% decrease in beef shipments to Japan, totaling 21,149 metric tons, though the export value increased by 6% to $153.8 million, according to USDA and USMEF data. A notable rise was observed in the export of beef variety meats like tongues and skirts, which surged by 33% in volume to 3,721 metric tons and 40% in value to $39 million. This increase is largely due to high demand from yakiniku restaurants in Japan, which heavily rely on these specific US beef products and have benefited from lower tariffs under the US-Japan Trade Agreement, making these meats more desirable and affordable.