Export volumes of beef and pork increased in January, but export values declined. Recent data from the U.S. Meat Export Federation and USDA shows beef exports for January increased three percent from year-ago levels to 82,000 some metric tons. However, the value of those exports dropped 13 percent to $438.1 million. USMEF says exports to most Asian markets, which were impacted early last year by the West Coast port labor dispute, increased in January. However, the gains were largely offset by lower volumes shipped to Western Hemisphere markets and the Middle East. Pork exports increased four percent from a year ago to 167,000 some metric tons, but value fell 11 percent to $404.7 million. Exports to China were up significantly from last year’s low volumes, reflecting recent reinstatement of several U.S. plants and continued strong demand for imported pork in China.