August 5, 2010

Japan's beef imports down 8%

Japan imported 43,677 tonnes swt of beef in June, down 8% from last year, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The fall was a result of lower import volumes from Australia (down 16% year-on-year, to 30,881 tonnes swt).

Sluggish beef demand at retail and foodservice in Japan, combined with the strong Australian dollar, slowed beef imports from Australia, reducing both chilled (down 15% year-on-year, to 12,914 tonnes) and frozen (down 16% to 17,966 tonnes) volumes.

In contrast, the US further increased its' presence in the market, adding 12% on last year to 7,239 tonnes (but still only 34% of pre BSE volumes in 2003).

Chilled imports grew 17% from last year, assisted by a strong increase in shoulders and round cuts. A lift in available products (beef sourced from cattle less than 21 months of age) and favourable exchange rates made US products more competitive, despite lingering concerns regarding safety among consumers.