October 4, 2012

Japan's beef imports at 57,300 tonnes for August 2012

Japan brings in 57,315 tonnes of beef imports during August 2012, the highest monthly volume since July 2005.

Beef shipments from the US totalled 16,775 tonnes - an increase of 33% on-year and the largest volume since the resumption of imports in 2006.

The increased volume from the US was particularly evident across the chilled sector, with shipments reaching 8,033 tonnes (40% higher than 2011 and almost on par with 2003). Around half of the volume for the month consisted of shoulder and round cuts, assisted by firm demand from family restaurants and some retail chains. Frozen beef imports from the US also increased, up by 27% on last year, to 8,742 tonnes.

Imports from Australia were up 12% on-year, to 32,413 tonnes, while other suppliers such as New Zealand, Mexico and Canada also registered higher monthly volumes.

Japan's Agriculture and Livestock Industries Corporation noted on its forecast that import volumes in September and October are expected to remain similar or slightly below the 2011 level, following the high volumes in August.