TOKYO, March 24 — Japanese wagyu beef exports to the United States are growing at a rapid pace as traditional Japanese cuisine rides a wave of global popularity.
Japanese beef shipments to the U.S. reached 186 metric tons for January through March 19, according to data released by the United States Customs and Border Protection.
The volume more than doubled from the same period a year ago, already filling around 93 percent of a 200 metric ton tariff rate quota (TRQ) that is allocated to Japan.
“The shipments may exceed the 200 metric ceiling by the end of March,” said an official from a trading company.
Japanese wagyu beef exports have focused primarily on the hotel and restaurant sector. Last year, wagyu beef exports filled the TRQ in June.
Shipments outside the TRQ are subject to a 26.4 percent tariff. That means trading companies have to pay more than 2,200 yen a kilo, according to the meat industry.