July 4, 2012

Japan May beef imports up 5% from 2011

About 42,206 tonnes of beef have been imported into Japan in May, a 5% increase from last year and the highest May volume since 2007.

The growth was largely underpinned by additional US product, but also lower imports volumes during the previous two months, reports Meat and Livestock Australia.

According to data released by Japan's Ministry of Finance, beef imports from the US during the month lifted 18% on-year to 10,868 tonnes, reaching 52% of May 2003 level.

Its chilled volume was the highest since the resumption of imports into Japan in 2006, at 6,235 tonnes (up 18% from a year ago).

Imports from Australia were steady at 26,115 tonnes (up 1% on-year). Total imported beef volumes from January to May totalled 193,851 tonnes, down 5% from the corresponding period last year.