Pork exports have enjoyed a healthy first half of 2023, but beef sales to overseas customers have lagged, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
In June, the U.S. exported 245,964 metric tons (mt) of pork, 12% higher than last year’s numbers for the month. Pork export value increased 6% to $691.4 million. For the first six months of 2023, pork exports are 14% higher than the previous year.
The increase can be attributed both to record pork exports to Mexico as well as increased exports to the ASEAN region, Australia, Taiwan, the Dominican Republic, Chile, China/Hong Kong, South Korea, and Central America. Increased exports to China of pork variety meats contributed to a 32% gain to that country in the first half of 2023.
“Mexico is certainly the 2023 pacesetter for U.S. pork exports, but what’s really exciting is that the industry is achieving such broad-based growth internationally,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO.
Exports to Mexico are up 19% in the first six months, with value rising 8% to $179.4 million.
Don't miss a beat sign up for a FREE month of Agri-Pulse news! The latest on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and around the country in agriculture, just click here.
“Exports are making impressive gains in the Western Hemisphere and reclaiming market share in many Asia-Pacific markets, and U.S. pork is well-positioned to continue gaining momentum in the second half,” Halstrom said.
June beef exports are down 12% from a year ago. Export value of beef was $909.5 million, down 13% from last year.
“It was a challenging first half for beef exports, especially when compared to the blistering pace established a year ago,” Halstrom said. “But we are encouraged to see that exports are still accounting for a consistently high percentage of total beef production, and variety meat exports have held up very well considering the decline in U.S. slaughter.”
Beef exports to Taiwan had their best month in the past year, while exports to Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa and the Dominican Republic reported year-over-year gains.
Lamb exports started the year high, but muscle cuts are now trending lower. June lamb exports were 109 mt, down 56% from last year, and value fell 45% to $843,000.
For more news, visit Agri-Pulse.com.
