September 21, 2006

Japan's US beef imports to reach 15,000 tonnes

Japanese imports of US beef is likely to reach just 15,000 tonnes for 2006, but that is small consolation compared to the 200,000 tonnes-a-year before the beef ban in 2003, US Meat Export Federation president Philip Seng told reporters in Tokyo Tuesday (Sep 19).

Part of the reason, apart from the fact that exports were only resumed in July this year, was the 20-month age limit that Japan imposed on US beef. Seng said the US industry would prefer not to have the limitation and hoped the Japanese government would relax conditions.

The strict checks required of US meat allowed into Japan has meant higher costs for importers, which is also dampening trade, said Greg Hanes, USMEF's Japan director.

Japan's US beef imports are expected to total 500 tonnes by the end of September and is expected to grow to 15,000 tonnes by year's end, Seng said. This meant an average of 4,800 tonnes a month for the remaining months of the year.

The target may be hard to reach as many Japanese remain worried about mad cow disease and are hesitant about buying US beef. However, US beef groups have organised various activities and information campaigns about safety measures and quality assurances to boost sales and confidence in the product.

Japan imposed a ban on US beef in December 2003 after the first reported case of mad cow disease in the US herd.