November 5, 2007

Australian beef exports to Japan falls 11 percent

Australia's beef shipments to Japan in October dropped 11 percent on-year to 33,065 tonnes due to strong Australian dollar, reports the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Exports of grassfed beef totalled 18,925 tonnes, down 6 percent from the previous year, and grainfed 14,140 tonnes, down 16 percent. Calender year to October exports stood at 314,494 tonnes, 5 percent lower than in 2006.

Compared to October 2006, the A$ appreciated 19 percent against the US$ and 16 percent on the Japanese yen. While the strong A$ has reduced returns to Australian exporters, Japanese trade is also placed under pressure, as they hold beef consumption by minimising price increases.