March 11, 2005

Australia expects Japan to remain as major importer of local beef

Australia expects Japan's demand for local beef to remain strong in the near future as the resumption on US beef imports into the Asian country currently appears slim.

Meat and Livestock Australia has projected exports to Japan to continue to strengthen in 2005, forecasting a record export volume of 430 kt sw for the year, rising a further 9% on the record last year.

Australian beef exports to Japan recorded 38,537 tonnes in February, bringing beef exports for the calendar year to February to a record 59,590 tonnes. The figure is 1% more than the previous record in 2004.