November 30, 2007

Singapore's October beef imports up 17 percent

Beef imports into Singapore increased 17 percent in October as compared to the same period last year, to 1,595 tonnes swt (slaughterweight), lifting total volume over the first 10 months 20 percent to 17,910 tonnes swt.

The increase was mainly driven by continuing strong demand from the Singaporean foodservice sector, as more enquiries were registered for Australian beef, following a fall in supply from Brazil and New Zealand.

Imports of Australian beef jumped 126 percent to 724 tonnes swt, including a 34 percent rise in chilled volumes and 182 percent growth in frozen shipments. Singapore imported 93 percent more beef from Australia during January to October compared with last year, to 3,967 tonnes swt, accounting for 22 percent of the total imported volume, up from 14 percent during the same time last year.

Imports of Brazilian beef dropped 12 percent to 752 tonnes swt, but rose 7 percent to 11,594 tonnes swt over the first 10 months. Over the calendar year to October, Brazil's share of total Singapore imports remained strong, at 65 percent compared with 73 percent in 2006.

New Zealand beef imports decreased 19 percent, to 91 tonnes swt, although total volume over the January to October increased 35 percent, to 2,080 tonnes swt or 12 percent of total imports. Singapore also imported a limited amount of US beef, which increased 32 percent over the 10 months to October, to 216 tonnes swt - 1 percent of total imports.