Japanese pork imports rise 8% in 2008

Japan imported 8% more fresh and chilled pork during 2008 compared with a year earlier, according to the European Market Survey.

The majority originated in the United States (U.S.) and Canada given the shorter shipping time compared with product from Europe. Japan's principal supplier remains the U.S., says the European Market Survey, which met over 40% of the country's requirements in 2008, a rise of six percentage points on the previous year.

Imports of pork from European Union countries were reportedly 2% lower year-on-year.

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