September Lamb Meat
Imports Decline 7%

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Commerce Department's Foreign Agriculture Service reports a total of 2041 metric tons of lamb meat imported into the U.S. during September, down seven percent from a year ago.

The year to date total reached 26,053 metric tons, up 16 percent from a year ago but still 5798 metric tons below the trigger point of 31,851 metric tons for the higher tariff rate imposed by the 201 lamb import case.

The 201 case set a nine percent tariff on all lamb imports into the U.S. this year beginning July 22. The rate will increase to 40 percent when lamb imports reach the 1998 volume of 31,851 metric tons.

Lamb meat imports in September from Australia were down eight percent from a year ago at 1285 MT, but year to date imports are up 28 percent at 14,858 MT. New Zealand lamb imports in September were down three percent at 750 MT, year to date imports up three percent at 11,083 MT.

Mutton and goat meat imports in September were up 14 percent at 1094 MT, year to date imports down 32 percent at 10,572 MT. Australia exported 94 percent of the mutton and goat meat in September, New Zealand six percent.

Live cattle imports into the U.S. in September were down 13 percent at 125,966 head. The year to date volume is down eight percent at 1,287,240 head.

Cattle imports in September from Canada, mostly fat cattle, were down 29 percent to 95,656 head, year to date imports down 25 percent at 775,918 head.

Cattle imports in September from Mexico, mostly feeder cattle, are up 193 percent at 30,310 head, year to date imports up 33 percent at 511,322 head.