August 13, 2007

Australia's July beef exports to Japan slightly down

Australia's beef exports for Japan in July were down 1 percent in the first six months of 2007 to 31,429 tonnes, down 392 tonnes from the previous period a year ago, according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

The DAFF data said, however, that there was continuing growth in Australian frozen beef to Japan in July - up 13 percent on the same month in 2006 to 16,477 tonnes. In comparison, 14,952 tonnes of chilled beef was shipped to Japan (13 percent below last year).

Australian grainfed exports in July to Japan totalled 15,277 tonnes, 5 percent below the same month last year. The total volume during the January to July period stood at 103,420 tonnes (3 percent below 2006).

Sales of Australian beef in Japan were firm at retail in July, according to data collected by Agriculture and Livestock Industries Cooperation. As at 22 July, the average weekly sales per thousand shoppers were 8.6 kilograms, an 8 percent increase compared with the same period last year.