TOKYO – According to reporting in the Japan Times, the US government agreed to raise its low-tariff quota for Japanese beef as part of the overall trade agreement between the two countries.

The report did not indicate how much the quota would rise from the current level of 200 tons per year. However, the country is expected to be taxed under the current rate of 26.4 percent.

Japanese beef entering the US receives an import duty of 4.4 cents per kilogram on the first 200 tons every year. In 2018, Japan exported 421 tons of beef to the US, according to the report.

President Donald Trump released a letter on Sept. 16 stating the US reached an initial trade agreement regarding tariff barriers. He said the US plans to enter into the agreement in the coming weeks.

“My Administration looks forward to continued collaboration with the Congress on further negotiations with Japan to achieve a comprehensive trade agreement that results in more fair and reciprocal trade between the United States and Japan,” Trump said.

Specifics have not been released on either side regarding US exports of farm products such as beef, pork and other agricultural products.