Pork imports to Japan decreased by 6%

Japan reduced total pork imports by 6% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period last year. Japanese pork imports, including the variety meat, totaled 244,800 tons, with Spain, Mexico and the United States being the worst-hit pork suppliers in the market. US pork exports to Japan fell 9% to 89,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, shipments from Denmark and Canada were up 12% and 5%, respectively, although this was not enough to outweigh losses from other suppliers.

In terms of product mix, imports of raw pork increased by 2% yoy, while frozen (-9%), processed (-15%) and variety meat (-20%) declined. According to industry reports, raw pork is usually sold through retail, while frozen pork is sold through food outlets. Thus, the outages in the food service sector as a result of COVID-19 appear to have shifted demand from frozen pork to raw / chilled pork. However, this was not enough for the growth of import demand in general.

In 2021, the USDA expects pork consumption in Japan to remain relatively stable at last year's level, with foodservice sales expected to remain weak in the first half of 2021. This, combined with strong domestic production, is expected to limit imports in 2021. "Overall, imports will grow by just 1% by 2020," commented Bronwyn Magee, AHDB Analyst Trainee.

SOURCE: Meatinfo