Japan Beef Imports Fall Eight Per Cent
JAPAN - Japan imported 43,677 tonnes swt of beef in June, down eight per cent from last year. The fall was a result of lower import volumes from Australia (down 16 per cent year-on-year, to 30,881 tonnes swt).
5 August 2010
1 minute read
Sluggish beef demand at retail and foodservice in Japan, combined with the strong A$, slowed beef imports from Australia, reducing both chilled (down 15 per cent year-on-year, to 12,914 tonnes) and frozen (down 16 per cent to 17,966 tonnes) volumes, says Meat and Livestock Australia.
In contrast, the US further increased its' presence in the market, adding 12 per cent on last year to 7,239 tonnes (but still only 34 per cent of pre BSE volumes in 2003). Chilled imports grew 17 per cent from last year, assisted by a strong increase in shoulders and round cuts. A lift in available products (beef sourced from cattle less than 21 months of age) and favourable exchange rates made US products more competitive, despite lingering concerns regarding safety among consumers.
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