Poultry, pork product tariffs end under US-Japan trade agreement

May 01, 2023

According to a recent USDA GAIN report, the US-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA) entered year five of agreement implementation on April 1, 2023, which means the elimination of tariffs on multiple products with staging categories where tariffs were reduced in four annual increments beginning on April 1 of Year 2 (April 1, 2020). Products where tariffs have been eliminated include processed pork products and bird's egg yolk.

Japan requires that importers make claims for preferential tariff treatment under the USJTA by the time of importation. At the time of import, Japan Customs requires Japanese importers to submit a declaration affirming product origin. In some cases, U.S. exporters may submit supplemental information directly to Japan Customs, however the initial declaration must come from the importer.

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Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.