June 8, 2007

Japan slows beef imports in April but higher on Q1

Data from the Japanese Ministry of Finance showed Japan has imported 42,043 tonnes slaughterweight (swt) of beef in April 2007, 1 percent below the previous year but its total volume for the first four months of the year was 4 percent than the same period in 2006.

The April decline was largely due to increased imports from Australia in January and February, with the calendar year to April total still exceeding 2006 by 5,591 tonnes. Australia supplied 36,023 tonnes, or 86 percent, of total beef imports in the month - down 4 percent on last year.

The US has exported 1,776 tonnes, 44 percent of which are frozen brisket. Although the April volume was 20 percent down compared with March this year, May/June shipments are expected to lift, as more US cattle under 21 months of age become available, and the current 100 percent box inspection may be lifted by mid-June.

New Zealand's shipments also fell 14.4 percent, to 3,535 tonnes, while Canada's share increased by 40 percent, to 102 tonnes.