May 11, 2007

Japan's beef imports lower in March

Japan's beef imports in March were 13 percent lower from the same period last year or 41,847 tonnes due to its US beef ban in January 2006 and surge of imports from Australia, data from the Japanese Ministry of Finance show.

Total imports in the first quarter of 2007, however, are up 2 percent on the same time last year.

Australia continued to retain its market share with 35,760 tonnes or 85 percent of total imports while imports from the US grew 35 percent from February 2006 to 2,209 tonnes - the second highest tonnage since the resumption of US beef shipments in July 2006.

Though majority of Japanese retailers are reluctant to purchase US beef (except for Seiyu which had resumed sales from the end of March); the US is gradually increasing its presence among some regional supermarket chains and other foodservice outlets nationwide.

The Japanese trade expects volumes from the US to gradually build up to 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes per month, once the current all box inspection process is lifted in a few months time.