Japan beef consumption shows decrease

Japan consumed 61,751 tonnes of beef in January, down 5% on-year, according to demand and supply data, released by Agriculture and Livestock Industries Corporation of Japan.

Imported beef consumption fell 4% on-year, to 35,434 tonnes in January. This was the result of reduced beef imports in January (largely due to limited supply from Australia) and eased demand at gyudon (beef rice bowl) and yakiniku (Japanese/Korean style barbeque) restaurants.

The lower imports in January also reduced imported beef in-market stocks, falling under 70,000 tonnes for the first time since June 2009, to 64,917 tonnes, down 5% from a year ago.