March 28, 2008

Macau's beef imports up 31 percent in 2007

Macau's beef imports reached 2,271 tonnes swt last year, up 31 percent from 2006 because of strong demand from the entertainment, hotel and resort sectors.

The US, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and China were Macau's main sources of the meat.

Beef imports from the US grew 478 percent during 2007, while shipments from South America increased by 36 percent.

A growth of 87 and 47 percent, respectively, were seen in imports from Australia and New Zealand, despite the strengthening Australian dollar.

Last year, South America was the main supplier of beef to Macau, accounting for 53 percent of total imports while more than 50 percent of the overall chilled product was from Australia at 18 tonnes swt.

Macau's strong demand for beef continued into 2008, with imports in January surging 33 percent from the same month last year.

The growing number of casinos five-star hotels and shopping malls in Macau that offer fine dining and other food retail outlets are expected to continue to drive demand for beef.

Macau draws more than 20 million tourists each year.