March 5, 2012

Australia's beef exports to Japan slide in February

According to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), Australia exported 23,456 tonnes of beef to Japan in February, a decrease of 22% on-year.

MLA states that trading conditions remained difficult during the month, with increasing shipments from the US into Japan, and the robust Australian dollar making Japanese buyers extremely cautious with their commitment to Australian beef.

Chilled beef volumes declined 26% from a year ago to 10,238 tonnes, while frozen shipments also eased 18% to 13,217 tonnes.

In the Japanese wholesale market this week, most chilled grass-fed beef prices averaged higher than last week, aided by limited supplies. US frozen short plate traded at JPY750 (US$9.23) per kilogramme this week, 39% higher from the same time last year, as the import suspension of a major US plant continued to impact the supply.