Japan Edges Closer to Resuming Beef Exports to China

In a significant step forward for Japan’s agricultural trade ambitions, a quarantine and animal health agreement with China has officially taken effect, paving the way for the resumption of Japanese beef exports after a 23-year ban.

China had halted imports in 2001 following an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Japan. Although the agreement is now active, the exact timeline for resuming shipments remains uncertain, as both countries must continue discussions on quarantine protocols, product safety, and meat processing standards.

Key Highlights

• China and Japan activate agreement to restart Japanese beef exports
• Japan plans to double beef export value to ¥113.2 billion by 2030
• Japanese beef remains in demand globally, especially in China via indirect routes

A Japanese agriculture ministry official stated, "What the Chinese side requests will determine the conditions required to resume shipments. When we will be allowed to resume exports is still up in the air."

Japan’s government is aiming to boost total exports of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products from over ¥1.5 trillion in 2024 to ¥5 trillion by 2030, with beef playing a key role. The goal is to nearly double beef exports to ¥113.2 billion by 2030, up from ¥64.8 billion in 2024. The United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Cambodia were the largest buyers of Japanese beef in 2024.

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Despite the long-standing ban, reports noted that Japanese beef still entered China via Cambodia, reflecting strong demand driven by the global popularity of washoku (Japanese cuisine). According to the Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council, “As China has such a large population, there will be a high demand for Japanese beef.”