U.S. beef exports delivered another strong month in July, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Export volume held steady at just over 89,000 metric tons, while export value climbed 6% from a year ago to nearly $797 million. Strong demand from Taiwan, Mexico, Japan, the Middle East, Colombia, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia helped drive those gains.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says global demand for U.S. beef remains resilient despite ongoing challenges in China. While exports in China remain well below previous years’ levels, growth in other international markets continue to support overall beef demand. For the first seven months of the year, beef exports totaled nearly 635,000 metric tons, valued at $5.5 billion.
Excluding China, beef export value increased 6% compared to last year. Meanwhile, U.S. pork exports moved lower in July. Shipments fell 6% from a year ago to 224,000 metric tons, with export value also down 6% at nearly $642 million.
Although exports increased to Japan, Central America, Colombia, and Canada, lower shipments to Mexico, China, and South Korea weighed on the monthly totals. Even so, year-to-date pork exports remain ahead of last year’s pace, totaling 1.73 million metric tons and valued at $4.86 billion through July. Dan Halstrom says the removal of PRV-related trade restrictions should help support stronger pork export performance moving forward.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.