May 3 2010

Beef imports into China during January to March jumped 92% to 3,644 tonnes, compared with the same period last year.

Shipments from most suppliers (New Zealand, Brazil and Uruguay) rose during this period; in contrast, imports from Australia registered a lower volume on a year ago.

Low supply from Australia, particularly during January and February, as wet weather reduced production, lowered available supply for China during the March quarter. Total imports of Australian beef into China fell 4% during the period (to 1,085 tonnes), with a 50% drop in chilled volumes, despite a 1% increase in frozen beef.

During the first three months of 2010, China sourced more beef  from other suppliers, including a 317% rise in volumes from Uruguay (1,508 tonnes) and a 130% jump in New Zealand product (927 tonnes). Imports of Brazilian beef also increased from zero during January to March last year to 124 tonnes this year.