November 5, 2009

Japan's September beef imports stable

Japan imported 36,325 tonnes swt of beef during September, only 111 tonnes less compared with last year, according to the Ministry of Finance.

A year-on-year six-percent increase in chilled imports was offset by a five-percent decline in frozen imports.

Chilled and frozen imports from Australia totalled 13,233 tonnes and 14,058 tonnes, down seven percent and down 13 percent, respectively.

Weak demand from the Japanese foodservice and processing sectors and increased supply from the US continued to impact the Australian frozen beef trade.

Imports from the US increased 22 percent from last year to 6,062 tonnes, with significant growth in frozen loins and briskets.

In the calendar year to September, Japan beef imports reached 355,258 tonnes, up three percent on-year. Total beef imports in 2009 are forecast to rise two percent from last year to 467,000 tonnes.