Overseas meat markets

Press, 31 January 1983, Page 21

Overseas meat markets

Prices for all meats eased on United Kingdom wholesale markets during a week of slow trading, the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board reports in its weekly market survey.

Retailers have not been keen to restock with New Zealand lamb because of the uncertain market, and as a result offtake at wholesale was not as high as recent weeks. On the Smithfield market PL grade New Zealand lamb was quoted at 49.5-51.5 p per lb and PM grade at 49.0-50.0 p per lb. Prices for imported manufacturing beef in the United

States held a steady but firm position last week while domestic beef prices rallied to match the improved position of imported product. An expected reduction in imports during February and March has caused a firming in prices for forward shipment. New Zealand boneless cowbeef averaged 101.5 U.S. cents per lb c.i.f., and bull averaged 107.5 cents. The Japanese mutton market was quiet last week, and there were no major sales of New Zealand product. Australia is reported to have sold about 700 tonnes of carcase mutton at 38.5-40.0 U.S. cents per lb, c. and f.