March 11, 2011

Australian beef exports to Japan recover in February

Australian beef exports to Japan during February increased 13% on-year to 30,063 tonnes slaughter weight, after subdued volumes in January.

Chilled and frozen beef shipments increased 8% on-year to 13,818 tonnes, and 18% to 16,245 tonnes, respectively. However, chilled grainfed exports were the only category to register a decline (down 1% to 8,422 tonnes), reflecting tight supply and the market's cautious buying for higher value products.

For the calendar year to February, volumes to Japan totalled 46,805 tonnes slaughter weight, up 5% from 2010 but still 7% lower than the five-year average.