Export Ready: Tackling Technical Barriers and Tapping Japanese Demand

Export Ready: Tackling Technical Barriers and Tapping Japanese Demand

June 11, 2025, 3:00 PM– 4:00 PM PDT

**The meeting link will be sent to registered companies within 24 hours of registration**

Presented by Bryant Christie Inc. and R&L Associates

This webinar is targeted at exporters of food and specialty agricultural products based in the Western United States, particularly those interested in entering or expanding in the Japanese market. The presentation will provide a technical overview of Japan’s import landscape, including tariff structures under the U.S.–Japan Trade Agreement, maximum residue level (MRL) regulations, and phytosanitary certification requirements, as well as logistics, labeling, and distribution considerations. The session will also explore Japanese consumer preferences, retail and foodservice trends, and key opportunities for U.S. products&mdashespecially in categories such as premium fresh produce, high-value specialty foods, and health-oriented products. The webinar will conclude with practical insights and market entry strategies to help exporters navigate this high-value, quality-driven market.

Detailed Meeting Overview:

1.Welcome & Opening Remarks

o Current tariff structures under U.S.- Japan FTA

o Tariff reduction timelines and impacts

o MRL (Maximum Residue Levels) standards and compliance

o Phytosanitary certification requirements (esp. for fresh produce)

o Labeling, packaging, and customs clearance procedures

1.   Understand the key elements of Japan’s food import regulations, including tariff structures, Maximum Residue Level (MRL) requirements, and phytosanitary certification standards for fresh produce and                   other agricultural goods.

2.   Identify common technical challenges and compliance risks that Western U.S. exporters may face when entering the Japanese market&mdashand learn strategies to mitigate them.

3.   Interpret how the U.S.–Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA) impacts export opportunities for food and agricultural products from the Western United States.

4.   Recognize Japanese consumer preferences and purchasing behaviors, including demand for premium, health-conscious, and sustainable food products.

5.   Analyze the structure and trends of Japan’s retail and foodservice sectors, including the role of convenience stores, e-commerce platforms, and high-end retail environments.

6.   Evaluate opportunities for U.S. products across different channels, such as HORECA (hotel, restaurant, catering), institutional foodservice, and grocery retail.

7.   Assess key market entry considerations, including labeling, packaging expectations, and local partner requirements for successful distribution.

8.   Apply practical insights and real-world examples to develop or refine an export strategy tailored to the Japanese market.