Japan has emerged as the largest importer of US beef this year, with a notable increase in the import of 'tongue' and 'skirt' meat by four percent, reaching 7,284 tons and 22 million dollars respectively. Despite this, US beef exports experienced a downturn in February, falling by 11 percent and two percent to 41,280 tons and 301.2 million dollars respectively, compared to the same period last year.