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Fueled by another outstanding performance from Mexico, August exports of U.S. pork increased year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. beef exports were below year-ago levels in August. Rusty Halvorson has more details.
August pork exports totaled 238,989 metric tons (mt), up 6% from a year ago but the second lowest of 2024. Export value increased 8% to $702.9 million. In addition to the strong results in Mexico, exports trended higher to Central and South America, the Caribbean and the ASEAN region. August shipments to Malaysia were record-large, while exports to Colombia achieved a value record.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said, “With the August numbers being continued strong you look forward to the fourth quarter of the year, and we’re forecasting records on volume and value on the pork side globally. With the fourth quarter being our largest export volume season of the year, we should set records in both areas for pork.”
For January through August, pork exports were just under 2 million mt, up 4% from a year ago, while valued climbed 7% to $5.68 billion. Pork export value was on a record pace through August, and USMEF projects both export volume and value will reach record highs in 2024.
Beef exports totaled 102,682 mt in August, down 6% from a year ago and the lowest since January. Export value fell 4% to $845.9 million. Mexico’s demand for U.S. beef remained robust in August, while exports also trended higher to Taiwan, the Middle East and the ASEAN region. But these results were offset by lower shipments to Japan, South Korea and China/Hong Kong. While it came too late to impact the August export results, Halstrom notes that U.S. beef regaining full access to the Colombian market will help bolster fourth-quarter demand.