June 18, 2012

The latest figures from the Agriculture and Livestock Industries Corporation of Japan reveal beef stock imports at 66,186 tonnes (boneless equivalent) for April, a drop by 7% on-year and the lowest monthly total since May 2010.

Firm prices from both the US and Australia restrained beef imports during the month (23% less from a year ago), along with steady supplies from the Japanese domestic beef market. Imported beef consumption declined by 24% on-year, and 13% below the five-year average, at 39,418 tonnes.

More Australian beef shipments have arrived in the market since then, and the trade noted on improved interest for Australian chilled grassed beef in the Japanese wholesale market this week. A cautious approach from Japanese buyers continued to constrain trade activity this week, especially for chilled products.