Export Japanese market opens to Irish sheepmeat

“I am delighted to announce market access for Irish sheepmeat to Japan, agreed in principle during my Trade Mission to Tokyo last month” Minister Creed said. “The Japanese authorities have now formally agreed the export verification programme and export certificate as proposed by my Department, to take effect from 19 July.”
Total agri-food exports to Japan in 2018 amounted to €115 mill., double the level of exports in 2016, according to CSO trade statistics (which include non-edible exports such as forestry as well as food and drinks). Last year, pigmeat exports to Japan amounted to €41 mill.; while dairy products, mainly cheddar cheese, amounted to €40 mill. Fish (€14 mill.) and beverages (€8 mill.) are other important export categories. Beef exports to Japan amounted to €3.6 mill. last year.