September 3, 2007

Japan's restrictions on US beef remains

Japan's agriculture ministry has reportedly left the issue of US beef age restrictions to its scientific experts and have no plans to lift it, sources said last week. 

The US has been pressing Japan to upgrade its beef imports by 31 months from the current 21 months.

In the Japanese domestic market, full briskets (frozen) were traded at around 540 yen per kilogramme -- 110 yen lower than the same time last year. As the US increases shortplate exports to Japan, brisket items may face a further price reduction.

Meanwhile, Australian exporters faced another week of subdued trading with Japanese buyers.

Export prices were up slightly after last week's rain in Queensland. Cattle supplies could stay extremely tight for the rest of the winter if more rains come this week.