U.S. beef exports remained very strong in September while pork exports continued to be impacted by retaliatory duties in China and Mexico, According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Beef exports cooled from the record results posted in August, but were still significantly higher year-over-year. September beef exports totaled 110,100 metric tons, up six percent from a year ago, valued at $687.1 million – up 11 percent.
Pork muscle cut exports improved over last September’s volume, but were offset by sharply lower shipments of pork variety meat. September pork export volume was down two percent from a year ago to 179,400 metric tons, while export value fell seven percent to $470.2 million.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says pork exports have held up relatively well, “but unfortunately the obstacles U.S. pork faces in China and Mexico are putting a lot of pressure on export value.”