June 4, 2012

Taiwanese beef imports at record levels for Q1

Boosted by strong economic conditions and demands, Taiwan's beef imports hit record volumes as it reaches 20,059 tonnes during the first three months of 2012, 7% higher than the corresponding period last year.

While Australia maintained the largest imported beef market share for the quarter, at 36%, total shipments were back 3% on-year, to 7,302 tonnes. Imports of New Zealand's beef also declined during the period, falling 13% on-year, to 4,812 tonnes.

Contributing to the decline in imports of Australian and New Zealand's beef for the first quarter of 2012 was a rebound in the volume of US beef entering the market. Despite the partial ban, US imports increased 31% on-year, to 6,202 tonnes.