Japan's 15-month-old import ban on U.S. beef has become a major diplomatic issue between Tokyo and Washington, and U.S. lawmakers are increasing pressure on Japan to lift the ban as soon as possible.
Although the two nations agreed in October to partially reopen the market to U.S. beef imports as early as this spring, the timing has not been decided.
This has prompted U.S. lawmakers to threaten retaliatory action.
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