February 25, 2010

Meat exports to Japan outpace overall market

In 2009, Japan reinforced its position as a key trading partner for the US beef and pork industries, outperforming the market and either maintaining or increasing US beef and pork imports, according to the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

US pork sales in Japan in 2009, the top market for US pork export value, nearly matched the all-time value record set one year ago (US$1.54 billion compared to US$1.545 billion in 2008).

USMEF said the global pork industry slumped 15% in 2009 compared to the year prior and Japan's supermarket sales dropped 4.3% - reaching a 21-year low of JPY12.83 trillion.

Meanwhile, US beef sales in Japan ended the year 23% higher than the previous year in both volume and value while the global market for all beef exporters fell 16%.
 

According to USMEF, US pork has gained traction with Japanese consumers preparing traditional winter dishes, such as nabe (hotpot) and stewed pork favourites - kakuni and nibuta. The USMEF is also emphasising the versatility of US beef for restaurants wanting to attract price-conscious diners.

On the other hand, USMEF is promoting alternative beef cuts, such as chuck rib, boneless short rib, chuck eye roll, brisket, outside skirt and tongue to increase penetration for US beef in Japan.

The US holds 46% of the imported pork market share in Japan (up from 30% in 2004) and 72% of the chilled pork market. Since re-entering the market after the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), US beef market share is also increasing. The US captured 20% of the market in 2009, compared to just 10% two years earlier.