UK and Japan agreement on trade of poultry meat

The consumption of poultry is on the rise in Japan, the world s 3rd-largest economy, and now the UK has secured market access for imports of UK poultry meat. Photo: Ryan Kwok

Poultry meat from the UK can now be served on Japanese plates with industry estimates predicting this will boost the industry by up to £65 million (US$90 million) over 5 years, according to the UK government.

The UK has secured market access to Japan for imports of UK poultry meat. With consumption of poultry on the rise in Japan and its focus on reliable, attractive new products, this market is now on track to become a significant and promising new target for UK poultry meat exporters, according to the UK government.

Victoria Prentis, UK Food Minister: “We are working hard to open new markets for our agri-food businesses, and this is a significant opportunity for the UK poultry sector.”

The market opening follows a series of negotiations over the last 4 years between the UK and Japanese officials to agree specific animal health requirements. Benefits of this development will be felt across the supply chain throughout the UK.

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International Meat Trade Association CEO, Katie Doherty: “…UK exporters can take advantage of the tariff reductions granted by the UK-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. The agreement reduces tariffs on frozen chicken cuts from an average of 10% to zero over a number of years.”

The agreement of Animal Health Requirements between Defra and the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for export of both fresh and cooked poultry meat was concluded in April 2021 and led to the agreement of the export health certificate and final opening of the market in June 2021.