September 7, 2011

Australia's beef exports to Japan slip 5%

Australia's beef exports to Japan slipped 5% below the same time last year at 29,904 tonnes amid partial recovery from the low volumes shipped in July.

Australian shipments to Japan in July were significantly challenged by a series of factors, including the slow beef sales as a result of radioactive contamination in Japanese domestic beef, the robust Australian dollar, and surging imports from the US on the back of the weak US dollar.

In August, Australian chilled beef exports to Japan remained sluggish (down 11% on-year to 11,846 tonnes), pressured by the increasing presence of US product, and cautious buying from Japanese businesses. In comparison, frozen beef exports recovered to 2010 levels, totalling 18,058 tonnes (only 54 tonnes less than in 2010), largely supported by firm demand from the casual foodservice and manufacturing sectors.

Shipments for the eight months to August totalled 220,386 tonnes, down 7% on the corresponding period last year.