By Godson Umejiego, Bureau Chief, The Americas
Monday, US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor launched an agribusiness trade mission to Japan. The US delegation includes representatives from 11 state departments of agriculture, numerous farm organizations, and 40 agribusinesses looking to connect with future business partners in Japan.
“As one of the largest world economies, Japan is one of the top and most reliable trading partners for the United States. Every year for over the past two decades, Japan has imported at least US$10 billion worth of US food and agriculture products, reaching a record-high US$14.6 billion in 2022. This shows that there is a continuously growing demand for US products in Japan, providing US exporters with a tremendous opportunity to expand their exporting,” said Under Secretary Taylor. “On this agribusiness trade mission, we have many incredible businesses joining this delegation to showcase the strength of US food and agriculture products. Japanese consumers are especially interested in high-quality, health-oriented products, and I am confident that US businesses can meet and exceed these expectations.”
Throughout this week, USDA will help facilitate business-to-business meetings between participating small and medium-sized US agribusinesses and Japanese buyers seeking to import American food and farm products. The trade mission itinerary also includes meetings with Japanese and local prefecture government officials and industry groups to discuss trade issues and unique opportunities offered by Japanese consumers, retail promotions featuring US products, and visits to Japanese farms and packaging facilities.
Media Availability
Under Secretary Taylor, joined by the state departments of agriculture representatives, will hold a media teleconference, focused on the agribusiness trade mission to Japan, on Thursday, June 8, at 10 a.m. EST. Reporters interested in participating should email press-fas@usda.gov by 4 p.m. EST on June 7 for dial-in instructions.
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