Australian beef exports to Japan during August were 5pc lower than the same month last year, according to Meat and Livestock Australia.

Citing the latest Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry export data, MLA said Australia exported 29,204 tonnes swt of beef to Japan during August.

Despite being lower year-on-year, that volume represented an increase on the amount of beef shipped to the market during July.

The subdued export activity is a reflection of several factors according to MLA including slow beef sales as a result of radioactive contamination in Japanese domestic beef, the robust A$, and surging imports from the US on the back of the weak US$.

Chilled beef exports were particularly sluggish, down 11pc year-on-year to 11,846 tonnes, pressured by the increasing presence of US product, and cautious buying from Japanese businesses.

In comparison, frozen beef exports recovered to 2010 levels, totalling 18,058 tonnes swt (only 54 tonnes less than in 2010), largely supported by firm demand from the casual foodservice and manufacturing sectors.

Shipments for the eight months to August totalled 220,386 tonnes swt, down 7pc on the corresponding period last year.