April exports of American pork and beef were below last year’s volumes. The U.S. Meat Export Federation said the first four months of this year saw beef and pork exports relatively steady with last year’s pace in volume.
However, the value of beef and pork exports fell nine and 13 percent, respectively. Pork exports totaled over 188,000 metric tons in April, down six percent from a large volume in April of 2015. Export value fell nine percent to just over $466 million. Beef exports were just over 88,000 metric tons in April, down four percent from a year ago, and export value dropped 13 percent to $481 million.
Exports to Canada increased seven percent in volume during April and jumped six percent in value. Central America is again a bright spot for pork exports. Strong performances in Guatemala and Honduras helped exports rise 17 percent in volume and 25 percent in value.