USMEF Highlights Strong Global Protein Demand and Export Opportunities for 2026
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is spotlighting strong global protein demand and expanding export opportunities as the industry looks ahead to the new year and into 2026. According to USMEF President and CEO Dan Hallstrom, international markets continue to offer significant growth potential for U.S. beef, pork, and lamb, particularly in regions with established trade agreements and rising middle-class populations.
Hallstrom emphasized that markets with existing free trade agreements are delivering some of the strongest results. He noted, “So if you look at what’s been working well, you really have to start with some of these countries where we have existing free trade agreements and there’s no better example than Latin America. Mexico, absolutely on fire for pork, setting records for the last three years, including this year.”
While U.S. beef exports to Mexico have softened slightly, Hallstrom pointed out that demand remains resilient despite historically high prices. He explained that “while beef is down slightly, still demand, when you consider the record high prices, demand continued in Mexico as well on beef.” Beyond Mexico, Central America continues to show steady growth, building momentum over the past several years.
Asia also remains a key focus for U.S. meat exports. Hallstrom highlighted South Korea as a standout market, saying, “Korea in particular has really picked up the pace the last several months. I think there’s a lot of good things going on in these markets, which as we segue into 2026, has a lot of opportunity going forward.”
The America First Trade Promotion Program is expected to play a role in supporting future export growth. Hallstrom outlined additional regions with long-term potential, stating, “Central America, it’s been booming recently in the last four or five years, and we see further development potential on both beef and pork in that whole region.” Southeast Asia is another priority, with Indonesia identified as a promising beef market and Malaysia offering opportunities on the pork side.
Emerging markets in West and Central Africa are also beginning to open, particularly for variety meats, though Hallstrom stressed that the greatest long-term opportunity lies in muscle cuts. As global population growth and rising middle incomes continue, he concluded, “We are positioned in the U.S. beef, pork and lamb industry to take advantage of that opportunity as we go forward in 2026.”
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.