April exports of U.S. beef and pork were lower than in 2018, while U.S. lamb exports continued to trend higher. The numbers come from data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Beef exports totaled just over 105 metric tons in April, five percent lower year-over-year, although the export value was down just slightly to $674.2 million. For January through April, exports were four percent lower than last year’s record pace in volume and one percent lower in value.
Pork exports came in at 216,757 metric tons in April, six percent lower than April of 2018. Pork export value was down eight percent compared to last year, coming in at $535.2 million. January through April exports were six percent below last year’s volume and down 12 percent in value to a little over $2 billion.
South Korea remains the export growth leader for U.S. beef, with April volume up 18 percent.
Strong variety meat demand in Mexico and muscle cut growth in the Caribbean, Middle East, and Panama fueled an upward climb in U.S. lamb exports. April lamb exports were up 26 percent from a year ago, coming in at 1,227 metric tons. The value was up 15 percent to $2.2 million.
Source: National Association of Farm Broadcasters