November 1, 2007

Japan's meat import rises sharply in September

Japan's September beef imports rose 28 percent from the previous year, while pork and chicken imports rose 10 percent and 56 percent respectively.

Beef imports rose to 44,029 tonnes in September, with 83 percent supplied by Australia, according to Japan's Ministry of Finance.

Late August shipments appeared to have been cleared in September, pushing the month's total higher, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) reported.

Beef imports from the US fell 6 percent from the previous month, to 3,749 tonnes. US volume is expected to remain at a similar level due to the stricter scrutiny.

Pork imports increased 10 percent, to 54,357 tonnes, while chicken imports showed a rise of 56 percent, to 28,637 tonnes.

One reason for the sharp rise in poultry imports compared to last year was the unusually low volumes seen in 2006 due to consumer fears after bird flu outbreaks in many parts of Asia.