Japan’s total beef imports in January fell 17% month on month to 32,576 metric tons (mt), marking the lowest level since February 2024, Foodmarket reported.
The decline of 6,651 mt was driven by reduced shipments from Australia and the U.S., though increased imports from New Zealand helped offset further losses. Foodmarket wrote that imports plunged 24.7% (-10,682 mt) year over year due to weakened household consumption, economic pressures and a declining yen. The Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation estimated imported beef stocks at 129,801 mt in December, down 5.1% from the previous month.
Despite harsh winter conditions limiting restaurant traffic, strong tourism from China, Korea and Taiwan helped support beef consumption, particularly in dining establishments.
