BEEF SUPPLIES TO JAPAN

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28491, 22 January 1958, Page 15

BEEF SUPPLIES TO JAPAN

Most From N.Z. New Zealand is supplying the bulk of Japan’s imported beef, which, from all sources, is now at an annual rate of 4 million pounds, or 19,600 tons. This is reported by the Tokyo correspondent of Dalgety and Company, Ltd. The rate represents an increase of nearly 7 million pounds last year According to the New. Zealand Meat Producers Board, a total of 11,417 tons of meat was shipped to Japan last season—from October 1, 1956, to September 1, 1957. The bulk of the shipment was boneless beef, with quarter beef, veal and offal making up the rest. Japan has now became New Zealand’s second-best export market for meat after the United Kingdom. Dalgety’s correspondent reports that while the average Japanese household purchase is only a few ounces, at present the market is developing for better-class beef. The trade is expected to provide a substantial market within a few years.

To develop this, a new organisation—the Japan Meat Trade Importers’ Association—is sending a detection to Australia and New Zealand this month.

Under the United Kingdom Meat Agreement, Australia will not be able to compete with New Zealand, says the correspondent, unless the Australian free export quota is increased by mutual agreement.