October 18, 2004

Beef Stocks Low In Japan

As at the end of August, beef stocks in Japan totaled 66,687 tons, a rise of 6% on the previous month. However, stocks still remain at historically low levels, with August stocks 17% below the same period in 2003.

Beef consumption in Japan slowed in August. Around 65,498 tons were consumed, which is a fall of 10% compared with August 2003. With the total supply of beef reduced in Japan, consumption of beef has fallen 14% in the calendar year to August, as wholesalers compensate for reduced imports by running stocks down. Total beef consumption in 2004 in the calendar year to August is down 25% compared with the peak consumption in 2001.

Pork continues to benefit from the decreased supply of beef in Japan, with August consumption of pork increasing 10% on last year to total 137,130 tons. The consumption of pork is also up 10% for the calendar year to August.

Chicken consumption continues to be impacted by consumer concerns over avian influenza and the disrupted supply of imported chicken.  Consumption of chicken fell 3% to 128,110 tons in August, compared with August 2003. For the calendar year to August, consumption is down 9%.