By Godson Umejiego, Bureau Chief, The Americas
The US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has commenced
accepting applications from exporters of US farm and food products for a two-city trade mission
to Japan, June 5-8. The trade mission offers US agribusinesses the potential to increase or
expand their sales to Japan, one of the United States’ top five agricultural export markets. US
exports of agricultural products to Japan exceeded US$14.6 billion in 2022.
“As one of the largest economies in the world, Japan provides many exciting opportunities for
the high-value agricultural and food products offered by US exporters. Japanese consumers
value the quality and convenience of US products,” said FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley.
“This trade mission will help many US agribusinesses establish new business connections with
their Japanese counterparts and further expand US agricultural exports to this key Asian
market.”
Trade mission participants will travel to Tokyo and Osaka, connecting with potential customers
and learning first-hand from government and industry leaders about local market conditions.
FAS staff in Japan will arrange meetings between US businesses and potential buyers in the
country. Participants will also visit local retail stores and food manufacturers to round out the
program.
Japan is a high-value market that imports more consumer-oriented products than any other
market in Asia and will pay a premium for high-quality products. Strong opportunities exist for
US exporters of meat and meat products, tree nuts, dairy products (cheeses), condiments and
sauces, fresh vegetables, processed fruit, eggs and egg products, beer, distilled spirits, wine,
and consumer-oriented goods.
Applications are due by February 27.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-
Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on
more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and fairer markets for
all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building
new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and
forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in
rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers
and building a workforce more representative of America.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
