WASHINGTON — The Upper House of Japan’s Diet announced on Nov. 22 that it approved a new protocol that amended the recent agreement by the United States and Japan to increase the Beef Safeguard Trigger level under the US-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA).

With the approval, the USJTA would feature a new three-trigger safeguard mechanism that would reduce the probability that Japan would impose higher tariffs in the future.

“The Protocol will ensure our farmers and ranchers continue to have access to one of the world’s most dynamic markets,” said Katherine Tai, US Trade Representative. “We are excited that Japan’s consumers can enjoy high-quality US beef that is a staple of our agricultural industry. The protocol represents a foundational pillar of our bilateral trade relationship — and I am grateful to our producers and stakeholders who helped make it possible.”

The original agreement was signed in June 2022 by Tai and Japan’s Ambassador to the United States, Koji Tomita.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) lauded this next step taken by the Japanese government.

“NCBA is thankful for USTR working with the Japanese Government to address the beef safeguard,” said Kent Bacus, executive director of government affairs at NCBA. “(The) announcement underscores the strong demand for high-quality US beef overseas and America’s cattle producers are ready to provide it.”

The USTR office noted that exports of US beef to Japan totaled almost $2.4 billion in 2021, making Japan the second-largest beef export market.