Japan Trade Servicing Diverts US Turkey to Costco Japan

USAPEEC Japan’s trade servicing program, which utilizes MAP, assisted with diverting unsold U.S. turkey drumsticks bound for amusement parks to Costco Japan.

Due to COVID, Japan’s state of emergency was lifted and subsequently reinstated, particularly in Tokyo and other major metropolitan areas. Therefore, poultry meat imported to Japan, primarily smoked turkey drumsticks consumed in amusement parks, became overstock, making it impossible to import additional products. Through USAPEEC Japan’s trade servicing program, Costco Japan and the turkey importer were connected. As a result, Costco Japan took over the stock of 100,000 drumsticks and sold them in some of the stores’ food courts and deli sections. This prompt business action generated approximately $300,000 in sales. With steady efforts, USAPEEC was able to keep the turkey business going even during the pandemic and into the future.

Costco Japan plans to continue selling smoked turkey drumsticks in 2022 and beyond. The expected total Japanese import volume is 4 million-5 million drumsticks, which would generate a projected $1.5 million in U.S. turkey drumsticks exports. Total U.S. turkey exports in 2021 were 909 metric tons valued at approximately $2.7 million and were down 38 percent and 37 percent, respectively, due to COVID.