November 2, 2012

Japan sees 13% rise for beef imports from US

Japan's beef imports from the US reach 13,083 tonnes during September 2012, a rise 13% compared to 2011, despite higher import prices.

Chilled beef imports from the US totalled 6,426 tonnes swt during the month (up 10% on-year), with 'shoulder & rounds' and 'brisket' categories lifting 5% to 3,214 tonnes and 30% to 2,478 tonnes, respectively.

Frozen beef imports from the US grew 17% to 6,657 tonnes, with briskets being 59% of total frozen volume.

In contrast, the intake from Australia declined 16% on-year, to 23,916 tonnes, on the back of subdued volumes of the 'other (namely manufacturing beef)" frozen category (down 25% to 7,979 tonnes).

Total beef imports during the nine months of 2012 reached 389,961 tonnes, 3% higher than the corresponding period in 2011.