Australian export prices for Japanese market climbed, largely due to the higher Australian dollar and competition from other markets.

Japanese buyers remained observant of the Australian beef export market this week, as many had already secured enough product for Golden Week (series of public holidays from April 29 to May 5), but some were still looking for more, particularly trimmings.

Meanwhile, a Japanese trade source said this week that it was unlikely there would be changes to the current import protocol on US beef this year, as Japan will need to follow a number of procedural steps, including a review by Japan's Food Safety Commission.

Japan currently limits imports to US beef from cattle 20 months or younger, so long as specified risk materials are removed.