September 26, 2005

Japan can still import more beef before triggering safeguard tariff

Japan could still import more beef during this year's third quarter before the safeguard tariff might be triggered. 

The country could reportedly import 20,428 tonnes a month of chilled beef and 24,265 tonnes a month of frozen beef during August and September 2005, before the safeguard trigger levels were exceeded.

Although Australian and New Zealand beef exports to Japan have risen significantly, the volume remained much lower than before Japan's ban on US and Canadian beef.

Australia reportedly held about 97 percent and 87 percent of Japan's chilled and frozen beef markets respectively.