ABSTRACT
In an effort to maintain beef self-sufficiency and to protect the incomes of politically powerful domestic beef producers, Japan has restricted beef imports since the early 1960s. Prior to April 1, 1991, the primary mechanism used to protect the domestic beef industry was a quota on the quantity of beef that could be imported. On April 1, 1991, the quota was replaced by a 70 percent tariff, which is scheduled to be reduced by 10 percent per year for two years.
