# Argentina-Japan beef trade agreement > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-japan-beef-trade-agreement > Updated: 2026-10-02T18:51:00.000Z. Sources: 45. Developments: 2. Argentina and Japan have reached a sanitary agreement allowing the export of beef and beef tongue from Argentine regions that are free of foot-and-mouth disease through vaccination. This expands upon a 2018 agreement that was limited to the Patagonia region, which is free of the disease without vaccination. The new deal includes northern provinces such as Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Córdoba, Entre Ríos, La Pampa, and Corrientes. The expansion follows a conclusion by Japan’s Animal Health Subcommittee that the risk of introducing foot-and-mouth disease via boneless beef from these northern areas was minimal. While the agreement provides access to a market valued at over US$3.1 billion annually, several hurdles remain. Argentine exporters face higher tariffs than competitors like Australia and the United States. Additionally, Japanese authorities must conduct audits of sanitary systems and officially authorize specific meat-processing establishments before shipments can begin. Some experts estimate the first shipments could occur in the first quarter of 2027. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-02: Japan opens market to Argentine beef from vaccinated regions Japan has agreed to allow beef and tongue from Argentina's foot-and-mouth disease-free zones with vaccination to enter its market, expanding access to major northern livestock regions. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-opens-market-to-argentine-beef-from-vaccinated-regions ### 2026-09-30: Argentina and Japan agree on beef export terms for vaccination zones Argentina and Japan have signed a sanitary agreement allowing beef and tongue exports from vaccination-based foot-and-mouth disease-free zones, expanding access beyond Patagonia. 42 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-opens-market-to-beef-exports-from-all-of-argentina --- Cite as: Argentina-Japan beef trade agreement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-japan-beef-trade-agreement