Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Statement Regarding Opening of Japan to Texas Beef Imports (5/17/2019)

“This is a homerun for Texas beef producers. Thanks to the hard work of President Trump, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. trade negotiators, Japan has lifted its age restrictions on imports of Texas beef for the first time since 2003. Now, U.S. products from all cattle, regardless of age, can enter the Japanese market for the first time in sixteen years. Texas ag producers grow the food and fiber the world needs every day, so when Texas farmers and beef producers win here at home, America wins around the world.”

"During a recent trip to Washington, I had the opportunity to meet with Japanese agriculture officials to discuss lifting the restrictions on Texas beef. I’m pleased to see those discussions followed by today’s announcement from Secretary Perdue and USDA."

"The USDA announcement today of course has a sizeable economic impact, potentially adding $200 million in annual U.S. beef sales to Japan. However, equally important is the strong statement this sends about the health and quality of U.S. -- and in particular -- Texas beef. Texas cattle raisers produce the best beef on earth, and I’m glad to see Japan will once again enjoy Texas beef."

"Finally, thank you to President Trump and his administration for yet another victory for American agriculture. This is exactly what President Trump meant when he said that America will win so much we’ll get tired of it. Well, as an eighth-generation farmer and rancher I’m here to tell the President we’re not tired of it yet. Let’s keep winning with deals like this one."

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