Potential for U.S. pork exports to Japan to increase $281M by 2028

Researchers with the USDA Economic Research Service are forecasting Japan’s pork imports to increase between 3.6 and 13.9% by 2028 due to the country’s trade agreements in place. Based upon the Global Trade Analysis Project model, the researchers estimate this uptick could lead to an additional $281 million of U.S. pork exports being shipped to Japan. Japan currently produces 50% of the pork that it consumes through domestic production, however ERS points out that could soon change as domestic pork producers face increased competition from foreign competitors, putting downward pressure on Japan’s pork industry and forcing producers out of the business. In the next six years, Japan’s pork production is predicted to drop between 4.2 and 11.8%.