According to new data released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), August exports of U.S. pork were steady year-over-year. This was led by another tremendous performance in Mexico, as shipments totaled 226,519 metric tons (mt) in August, while export value fell 1.5% to just under $650 million. Exports to leading market Mexico remained on a record pace and set a value record in August at $211.7 million.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom discusses U.S. pork’s remarkable growth in Mexico but notes that demand is also climbing in other Western Hemisphere destinations.
Through the first eight months of 2023, pork exports were 11% above last year’s pace at 1.91 million mt, valued at $5.32 billion (up 9%).
When it comes to August beef exports, they were well below the large totals posted a year ago but did show improvement over July results. Exports totaled 109,000 mt, down 19% from last year, when export volume was the second highest on record, but a 6% increase over July. Export value was $884 million, down 15% year-over-year but 9% above July.
Halstrom notes beef exports to Mexico continued to trend higher in August and Central America had an excellent month.
For January through August, beef exports trailed last year’s record pace by 12% in volume (881,343 mt) and 19% in value ($6.69 billion).
A detailed summary of the August export results is available on the USMEF website.