May 4, 2009

Japan's beef imports in March dropped 13 percent on-year to 35,203 tonnes swt, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The lower volume was largely due to reduced shipments from Australia, as importers held off buying additional stocks prior to the end of the year that ended March 31.

Australia exported 28,198 tonnes of beef to Japan in March, down 16 percent but accounted for 80 percent of total beef imports during the month.

US beef imports in March increased 29 percent on-year to 3,553 tonnes. Shipments from New Zealand and Mexico declined four percent to 2,847 tonnes and 47 percent to 469 tonnes, respectively.

In addition, Japanese demand for Australian beef slowed during the Golden Week (April 29 to May 6), after steady inquiries on April 27 and April 28.