Japan: Livestock and Products Annual

Japan’s calf production will continue steady recovery in 2019 and 2020 as high calf prices drive modest expansion of the beef cow herd. Total cattle slaughter will dip slightly in the short term as more beef and dairy heifers are retained for cow herd replenishment. Imported beef cuts will remain competitive as domestic production continues to shift toward high-priced wagyu breeds. In the pork market, growth in sow stocks is projected to push piglet production to a five-year high in 2020 as the industry seeks to offset disease-related losses. Rising pork production will slow import growth, particularly for low-priced ingredient cuts.

Japan: Livestock and Products Annual