U.S. beef exports posted a strong performance in August, while pork exports slipped compared to a year ago. According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, August beef exports totaled more than 86,000 metric tons of 4% from last year. Export value climbed 13% to nearly $786 million.
Strong demand from Taiwan and a rebound in South Korea helped fuel the gains, along with increased shipments to the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Colombia. U.S. MEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says Taiwan has been a standout market for U.S. beef throughout 2026, while exports to South Korea are showing the stronger second-half performance the industry expected. He notes that although beef exports to China improved from a year ago levels, ongoing technical trade barriers continue to limit growth in that market.
For the first eight months of the year, beef exports remained 7% below last year’s volume, largely due to reduced access to China. Excluding China, however, beef export value is running 6% ahead of 2025. On the pork side, August exports totaled just over 222,000 metric tons, down 6% from a year ago.
Export value fell 12% to $606 million. The decline was driven primarily by lower shipments to Mexico, where domestic pork production has recovered and demand has softened. Even so, pork exports continue to grow in key markets including Central America, Colombia and the Caribbean, highlighting the importance of market diversification for the U.S. pork industry.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.