U.S. beef exports again topped $1 billion in July and posted the fifth-largest volume on record, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Exports totaled 126,567 metric tons (mt), up 3% year-over-year. Export value increased 7% to $1.006 billion.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom cites growth in Japan, China/Hong Kong and the Philippines as highlights for the Asian markets, while beef exports also continued to expand to the Caribbean and Central America.
July pork exports remained below last year’s pace (208,095 mt, down 6%) but continued to gain strength in several markets, including Mexico, Colombia and South Korea. Halstrom notes that while July exports to China/Hong Kong were lower than a year ago, shipments were the largest of 2022 as China’s demand for imported pork is rebounding to some degree.
A detailed summary of January-July exports for U.S. beef, pork and lamb is available from the USMEF website.
