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Japan has a well-developed food retail market that demands high-quality, high-value agricultural and food products. Despite reduced economic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, trade data show that agricultural imports have remained resilient.

The volume of U.S. fresh, dried, and processed fruit exports between 2012/13 and 2021/22 dropped 29 percent to 2.9 million metric tons[1]. However, a 25-percent gain in unit value during this period softened the decrease in value to just 11 percent lower as trade dropped $700 million to $6.0 billion.

U.S. beef exports to East Asia in 2022 are again on record pace after a record year in 2021. Despite economic uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, continued global supply chain challenges, and a competitive global beef market, U.S. beef exports to East Asia, both in value and volume, were outstanding in the first half of 2022.

Japanese consumers have become more health conscious, demanding food products that contain natural ingredients, minimize additives and sweeteners, and support health, dietary, and functional needs.

The significant rise of dog- and cat-owning households in East Asia presents an opportunity to increase the U.S. exports of pet food.

There is an array of opportunities for U.S. agricultural exporters in Japan, though its unique culture and regulatory environment present challenges.

On December 8, 2017, Japan and the European Union (EU) announced the finalization of negotiations on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) help expand foreign markets for U.S. producers and exporters by reducing trade barriers, fostering a more stable and transparent environment for trade and investment...

The United States is the world’s largest producer of beef but it also imports more beef than any other country.

The United States is the world’s top exporter of processed potato products. Over the past decade those exports have grown 127 percent, reaching a record $1.5 billion in 2014...

The United States exported a record $9.7 billion of forest products in fiscal year 2014. Among U.S. agricultural exports, only corn and soybeans had higher export values.

U.S. exports of fish and seafood reached a record $5.3 billion in FY 2014. Recent growth in U.S. exports has primarily been due to increased volume rather than higher prices.