United States Wagyu Market Overview
The United States is one of the fastest-growing markets for Japanese wagyu globally. Since the signing of the US-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA) in 2020, import volumes have grown consistently year-on-year. Demand is driven by three primary channels: Japanese steakhouse groups (A4 and A5 striploin and ribeye), premium BBQ restaurants (A4 brisket and tri-tip), and high-end retail and e-commerce (A5 portion-cut product).
The US market has a 26.4% tariff on frozen beef from Japan under standard rates, with partial reduction available under the USJTA. The high tariff means landed costs are significantly above FOB — importers must model this carefully when pricing for their accounts.
Import Requirements for USA
Commercial importers must meet USDA/FSIS requirements and maintain full documentation for each consignment.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| USDA/FSIS registration | USDA · Importer must be FSIS-registered |
| Veterinary Health Certificate | MAFF Japan · Required for all shipments |
| JMGA Grading Certificate | JMGA · Individual carcass number · Required |
| Import tariff | 26.4% (frozen) · USJTA partial reduction available |
| Cold chain | -18°C frozen · Sea or air freight |
| COOL labelling | USDA · Country of Origin Labelling required at retail |
Recommended Grades & Cuts for the USA
Channel demand across US steakhouse, BBQ, and retail:
| Grade | Cut | Est. Landed (USD/kg) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| A5 | Striploin | $165–260 | Fine dining · Omakase · Premium retail |
| A5 | Ribeye | $170–270 | Premium steakhouse · Fine dining |
| A4 | Striploin | $95–145 | Steakhouse · Japanese restaurant groups |
| A4 | Brisket | $40–62 | BBQ restaurants · Smokehouse |
| A4 | Tri-Tip | $69–103 | Premium BBQ · Casual dining |
Pricing for US Importers
The US tariff layer is the dominant cost driver after FOB — plan volume and USJTA origin filing with your broker.
| Component | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| FOB Japan (A4 Striploin) | $67–107/kg |
| Sea freight | $4–6/kg |
| Import duty (26.4%) | ~$19–30/kg |
| Customs broker + handling | $3–5/kg |
| Cold storage | $1–2/kg |
| Est. Landed Cost | $95–150/kg |
Contact us for current FOB Japan pricing specific to your grade, cut, and volume requirements.
Request Wholesale Price List →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the import duty on wagyu beef in the USA?
The US imposes 26.4% import duty on frozen Japanese wagyu beef. A partial reduction is available under the US-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA) with a qualifying Certificate of Origin. Confirm current USJTA rates with your customs broker.
What documents are needed to import wagyu into the USA?
USDA/FSIS importer registration, Veterinary Health Certificate from MAFF Japan, JMGA grading certificate, Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading. COOL (Country of Origin Labelling) compliance required for retail.
What wagyu cuts are most popular in the USA?
Striploin and ribeye at A4 and A5 for steakhouse and fine dining. Brisket at A4 for the premium BBQ segment. Tri-tip is a growing cut in the premium casual dining and BBQ format. A5 portion-cut product for premium retail and e-commerce.
Do I need to be USDA registered to import wagyu?
Yes. Commercial importers of meat products into the USA must be registered with USDA/FSIS. If you are not currently registered, we can refer you to established licensed importers.