Sign in Subscribe
International trade

Nebraska Governor Embarks on Trade Mission to Japan, Promotes Bio-Secure Agricultural Products and Advantages Business Climate

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is leading a trade mission to Japan, aiming to promote the state's high-quality, bio-secure agricultural products and advantageous business climate. The mission, which takes place from September 5-9, includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, and other state leaders. The delegation will meet with Japanese governors, defense ministers, and business leaders, with a focus on promoting Nebraska ethanol as Japan plans to introduce higher ethanol blends into its fuel supply. This move creates significant opportunities for Nebraska to provide biofuels to Japan, which has long been a top market for the state's agricultural products.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Jim Pillen is leading a trade mission to Japan to promote Nebraska's bio-secure agricultural products and business climate.
  • The mission includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, and other state leaders.
  • Japan plans to introduce higher ethanol blends into its fuel supply, making Nebraska a prime supplier of biofuels.
  • Nebraska is positioned to be a trusted biofuels supplier due to its advanced infrastructure for carbon capture and storage.
  • The state's ethical producers will benefit from easier shipping to West Coast ports for export to Asia.
  • Historically, Japan has blended a low percentage of ethanol with gasoline, but plans to increase the blend rate to 10% by 2030 and 20% by 2040.
  • Japan is a top market for Nebraska's agricultural products, importing $397 million of beef and $177 million of pork in 2024.
  • More than 60 Japanese businesses have facilities in Nebraska, employing over 4,000 Nebraskans.
  • Nebraska has a strong cultural and educational relationship with Japan, marking the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Omaha, Nebraska and Shizuoka, Japan.

Statistics:

  • Japanese companies with operations in Nebraska include Kawasaki, Kyocera, S-Foods, and Shizuki Electric Co.
  • Nebraska exported $574 million of agricultural products to Japan in 2024 ($397 million of beef and $177 million of pork).
  • Over 4,000 Nebraskans are employed by Japanese companies in the state.
  • Japan plans to increase its ethanol blend rate to 10% by 2030 and 20% by 2040.

Sources:

  • US State of Nebraska: Government of Japan announces plans to increase ethanol blend rate to 10% by 2030 and 20% by 2040. (Cited in the text)
  • US State of Nebraska: Japan is the number one international destination for Nebraska pork and eggs, the state's second-leading foreign buyer of beef and corn, and Nebraska's fourth-largest market for soybeans and wheat. (Cited in the text)
  • Contify.com: Nebraska Governor Embarks on Trade Mission to Japan, Promotes Bio-Secure Agricultural Products and Advantages Business Climate (Original source, not cited in the text)
  • Nebraska State Government: Governor Pillen to Lead Trade Mission to Japan (Original source, not cited in the text)
  • US State of Nebraska: Kawasaki, Kyocera, S-Foods, and Shizuki Electric Co. are among the Japanese companies with operations in Nebraska (Original source, not cited in the text)

Read more