September 5, 2008

Australian beef exports to Japan in August reached 29,228 tonnes swt, down 4 percent on-year.

A transport strike in Queensland during early August disrupted production but robust demand for manufactured beef helped the recovery in the second half of the month.

Exports of manufactured beef to Japan jumped 26 percent on-year to 10,988 tonnes, with 79 percent or 8,662 tonnes being frozen grass-fed product.

Chilled grain-fed exports improved slightly in July, but declined to 8,633 tonnes, down 18 percent on July this year and August 2007.

With consumer price index on the rise and household spending falling in Japan, hamburgers and minced beef are likely to remain popular among consumers. Loin steaks, on the other hand, have become a "meal for special occasions" for many Japanese families.