Overseas meat markets

Press, 31 May 1982, Page 12

Overseas meat markets

An improvement in NewZealand lamb wholesale prices last week resulted from the reactivation of Meatmark. Ltd, in the United Kingdom, the New Zealand Meat Producers Board reports in its weekly market survey.

However, offtake has been restricted, and New Zealand lamb is facing increasing competition from domestic lamb after a substantial decline in wholesale prices in the past two weeks.

On the Smithfield market PL grade New Zealand lamb was quoted at 62.7-64.3 p per lb, and PM grade at 62-63.5 p per lb.

The United States imported manufacturing beef market weakened slightly

last week. The main factors were a drop in demand from major manufacturers, who bought in quantity last week, and the arrival of several ships carrying beef from Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand boneless cow beef was quoted at 103.5 U.S. cents per lb c.i.f., and bull at 109.5 U.S. cents per lb. Most Japanese importers have adopted a wait-and-see attitude because of a weakening yen and relatively heavy purchases for June shipment.

There was very little interest in any product last week, and the Board continued to quote MLI grade carcases at 62.0 U.S. cents per lb, c. and f.