The latest red meat export report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show beef exports maintained a remarkable pace in April, topping $1 billion for the third time this year.
USMEF Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO, Dan Halstrom, offers insight into what continues to drive global demand for U.S. beef.
Beef exports totaled 124,408 metric tons (mt) in April, up 3% from a year ago, while export value was up 33% to $1.05 billion. Exports to Taiwan and the Philippines were record-large and exports increased to Japan, China/Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Middle East and the Caribbean.
But, Halstrom notes U.S. pork exports in April were well below the large totals posted a year ago.
April pork exports were 212,876 mt, down 21% from the large volume reported a year ago. Export value was $600.6 million, down 20%. Exports to leading market Mexico remained strong in April and are running well ahead of last year’s record pace. April exports also increased to Japan, Honduras and Colombia and exports to the Dominican Republic reached a new record.
U.S. lamb exports in April continued to trend higher, increasing 37% from a year ago to 1,493 mt, while export value soared 90% to $2.56 million. Growth continues to be driven by large variety meat exports to top market Mexico and revitalized muscle cut demand from the Caribbean foodservice sector.
A detailed summary of January-April export results is available on the USMEF website.