July 10, 2008

Australia's beef shipments to Japan recover slightly

Australian beef exports to Japan recovered slightly in June by 3 percent on-year to 31,462 tonnes swt, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said.

The increase was largely supported by frozen grassfed beef, up 38 percent over last year to 14,462 tonnes.

Observers said market conditions mostly affected the chilled beef trade, particularly grainfed shipments.

Total chilled products were down 22 percent on last year to 12,599 tonnes, with 8,598 tonnes grainfed - a fall of 20 percent from last year.

Australia shipped 180,383 tonnes of beef to Japan during January to June in 2008, 8 percent lower than last year.