Japan-Imported meat.

JAPAN-Imported beef leads Japan’s beef consumption in February

17/04/2009

Imported beef consumption in Japan expanded by 14% in February year-on-year, to 38,275 tonnes (boneless equivalent), the highest February volume since 2003 (Agriculture and Livestock Industries Corporation of Japan).

The increase in imported beef consumption was largely caused by the reduction in the import costs (due to the weak A$ and low export prices from Australia) and the subsequent decline in retail prices (particularly of special sale or discount items), combined with the strong sales performance of the fast food sector.

In comparison, consumption of Japanese domestic beef fell 7% from last year to 26,931 tonnes, following growth over the last two months. Overall, beef consumption in February totalled 65,206 tonnes, up 4% from the same month in 2008.

Australia supplies over 78% of imported beef requirements to Japan, or approximately half of Japan’s total beef consumption.