Overseas meat markets

Press, 9 August 1982, Page 18

Overseas meat markets

Domestic lamb wholesale' prices dropped sharply last week, further reducing the offtake of New Zealand lamb on United Kingdom wholesale markets, The New Zealand Meat Producers Board reports• in its weekly market survey. . Domestic lambs were selling at live auction at an average of 55p per lb and'another small easing in values has been predicted for next week. . On the Smithfield market PL grade New Zealand lamb was quoted at 59.5-61 p per lb, and PM grade at 58-60 p per lb. . ' Demand for imported manufacturing beef picked up last week in response, to the recent soft prices. Most product, moved directly to end-users instead of into store as has been the case in recent weeks. New Zealand boneless cow beef was ■quoted at 94 US cents per lb. c.i.f., and bull averaged 104.5. ■US cents per lb. Australia continued as the dominant seller of mutton in Japan, with carcase sales reported at 42-44 US cents per lb. although demand has been dampened as processors have replenished their stocks. The board continues to quote 57-59.0 US cents per lb for main grades of carcase mutton.