August 18, 2008

Japan's beef consumption in June increased by 9 percent on-year to 73,716 tonnes, the highest since 2003, the Agriculture and Livestock Industries Corporation of Japan (ALIC) said.

The total rise was driven by the strong consumption for imported beef consumption, up 14 percent to 46,361 tonnes.

In Japan, June is generally a quiet month for meat consumption, but the increased presence of US beef in the market largely assisted the rise in beef distribution, market observers said.

Backed by the weaker US$US and diminishing safety concerns among Japanese consumers, beef imports from the US during the June quarter increased 72 percent on last year's to 12,702 tonnes swt, resulting in further penetration among foodservice and retail operators.

Consumption of Australian beef was also firm, despite the challenging market environment caused by the high import costs, subdued private spending, and heightening competition with US beef.

Beef consumption for the first six months to June this year reached 399,299 tonnes, up 1 percent on that of the same period last year, the highest half yearly total since 2003.