June 19, 2006

Beef consumption in Japan fallen by 25 percent since 2001

Japan's April beef consumption have hit historic lows as the ban on US beef continues. Japan's beef consumption, at 69,548 tonnes was 25 percent below April 2001 levels, before the US beef ban, according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). 

Even as consumption of domestic beef increased 4 percent over last year, consumption of imported beef fell 13 percent over the same period.

Consumption of imported beef this April was 42 percent below the level in 2001.

For the 2006 calendar year to April, 56 percent of Japan's beef consumption was imported, compared to 68 percent in 2001.

Consumption of imported beef is expected to grow when US beef returns and the market stabilises, MLA said.

Pork consumption fell 3 percent on-year, whereas increased domestic chicken production offset decreased imports, resulting in a 2 percent increase in total consumption, MLA said.