Australian beef loses 25% price edge against US in Japan
Australian beef's price edge over US product in Japan fell 25 percent due to currency shifts and softer US cattle prices.
Australian beef sent to Japan has lost a quarter of its recent price edge against US product, says Ebury economist Anthony Malouf. A stronger Australian dollar against the Japanese yen, combined with weaker US cattle prices, is narrowing the gap that favoured local producers.
Market analysts say the impact at the farm gate may be small because Australian cattle remain about 40 percent cheaper than US stock, providing a comfortable cushion. The Bank of Japan is eyeing rate rises into 2027, which could further strengthen the yen and make Australian beef cheaper for at least Japanese buyers.
Domestic Australian cattle prices have also risen 13 percent year on year, adding to the pressure, though some experts expect US supply constraints and rising demand to support prices later.
- 25%
- Price edge lost
- 13%
- Australian dollar gain vs yen
- 13% year on year
- Domestic cattle price rise
- ~40%
- Australia-US cattle price gap
Why it mattersA shrinking price edge in a major export market could cut returns for Australian beef farmers if the trend continues.
AustraliaAustralian beef exporters face tighter margins in one of their most important markets as currency and commodity prices shift.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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