U.S. beef exports delivered more value in June despite shipping fewer pounds overseas, while pork exports felt the impact of temporary trade restrictions that have now been resolved. According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, June beef exports totaled nearly 89,000 metric tons, down 6% from a year ago. Even so, export value climbed 3% to more than $790 million.
Strong demand from key markets including Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Central America helped boost overall returns. For the first six months of the year, beef export value reached $4.74 billion. Industry leaders note that ongoing trade challenges in China continue to weigh on overall export totals, but demand for U.S. beef remains resilient worldwide.
Pork exports in June totaled nearly 225,000 metric tons, down 6% from last year, while value declined 9% to $624 million. Much of that decrease stemmed from restrictions on U.S. pork variety meats imposed by Mexico and Colombia over pseudorabies concerns. Those restrictions cut off all exports sharply during the month.
The good news for producers is that both countries have now restored full access for U.S. pork products. Despite the June slowdown, first-half pork exports remain ahead of last year’s pace, led by strong demand in Japan, Central America, and the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, U.S. lamb exports posted encouraging gains in June, with export value nearly doubling from a year ago, driven largely by stronger shipments to Mexico and Central American markets.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.