The higher A$, tight cattle supplies and limited interest from Japan continued to challenge Australian exporters this week. Reduced slaughter over the recent weeks lifted export prices of chilled beef to Japan in US$ terms this week, but the increase was mostly absorbed by the appreciation of the A$, leaving both exporters and buyers in tough corners.

Interest in imported beef was mixed in the Japanese wholesale market, as the market prepares for a long weekend with three consecutive public holidays in a week's time (19 - 23 September). The trade reported firm demand for US chilled chuck eye rolls and some Australian shortfed products, but slow movements of most frozen beef items.