February 9, 2012

In January, Australia exported 16,799 tonnes of beef to Japan, only 57 tonnes higher than last year's levels.

Briskets exports surged 48% on-year to 4,047 tonnes, helped by firm demand from the Japanese fast food sector, limited US stocks due to the import suspension imposed on a major US plant, and softer buying from Korea.

Demand from Japan remains mediocre, following substantial volumes shipped in December 2011. The high Australian dollar and firm cattle prices made negotiations difficult for both Australian and Japanese traders.

Major declines for the month were seen in fullset, down 56% to 578 tonnes; manufacturing beef, down 11% to 4,635 tonnes; and other hamburger patty categories, according to data released by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.