September 11, 2006

US beef sales still slow to rise in Japan

The Japanese market for US beef remained stable last week, with exporters reporting no major changes in buying trends from the previous two weeks.

Last week marked the one-month period since Japan opened its doors to US beef.

Only about 100 tonnes of US beef has entered Japan last month compared to over 30,000 tonnes of Australian beef.

However, a few supermarket and restaurant chains have taken up US beef and are eagerly awaiting bigger shipments.

Beef prices have been lifting slightly for chilled categories.