September 24, 2009
Malaysia beef imports fall 18 percent in 2008-09
Malaysian beef imports during 2008-08 fell 18 percent on-year to 95,987 tonnes due to lower supplies and high prices.
Imports from all suppliers decreased except for Australia and New Zealand.
In 2008-09, Australian beef accounted for 11 percent or 10,682 tonnes of imports, up from a record low of three percent in 2005-06.
New Zealand's share of total Malaysian beef imports also increased from one percent in 2007-09 to three percent or 2,448 tonnes in 2008-09, thanks to improved market access.
Indian carabeef imports continued dominating Malaysia's beef import market in 2008-09, but volumes had declined 20 percent on-year to 76,120 tonnes, represent 79 percent of total beef imports.
Brazilian beef imports plunged 74 percent during the year to 1,122 tonnes due to higher prices, accounting for only one percent of total beef imports.
Beef imports from Uruguay, Argentina, China and the US also declined, with market shares remaining small.
