Potts Emphasizes Need Of Free Trade Agreement With Japan

Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North America Meat Institute recent visited Japan and South Korea, top destinations of U.S. beef.  She said this was her first trip, and what really stood out was the quality from the U.S., and efforts to make the products look good and appetizing for consumers in both markets.

Potts added the trip emphasized the need for a free trade agreement with Japan.  She pointed out the Korea Free Trade Agreement serves as a great example of why the United States can be more competitive and grow when producers are not facing tariffs at the level they are in other markets.

“The uncertainty that is created when other counties have free trade agreements with Japan, and the U.S. does not, is not a great place for us to be.  And so we need to continue to reassure our trading partners that we are putting as much emphasis on this as we can with our Administration so we can get it done as quickly as possible.”

During her time in both Tokyo and Seoul, Potts participated in several consumer events, retail promotions, industry meetings and also met with member of the U.S. Embassy in each of the respective countries.

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