April exports of U.S. beef were the largest in 10 months and valued at just under $900 million, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
April beef exports totaled 111,580 metric tons (mt), up slightly from a year ago and the largest since June 2023. Export value increased 5% to $898.7 million, also the highest since June. Shipments to Mexico reached the highest value in more than three years, while exports also trended higher year over year to several other Western Hemisphere markets and to Japan and the Middle East. Through the first four months of 2024, beef export value increased 5% year over year to $3.38 billion, despite a 3% decline in volume (423,445 mt).
“Mexico also continued to shine on the beef side, along with the Caribbean, Central America and the Middle East,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “These markets are benefiting from foodservice demand and currency advantages compared to the main Asian markets.”
He continued, “The headwinds in Asia remain formidable, but the tourism boom in Japan has helped solidify demand and exports have stabilized this year, despite the continued weakness in the yen and strong competition from Australia. Robust retail and e-commerce demand has helped U.S. chilled beef continue to dominate in Korea and Taiwan.”
Through April, U.S. beef accounted for 69% of Korea’s chilled imports and 72% for Taiwan.
April lamb exports above last year
April exports of U.S. lamb totaled 224 mt, up 33% from a year ago but the lowest since December. Export value was up 21% to $1.25 million. January-April exports increased 1% from a year ago to 1,043 mt, while value climbed an impressive 19% to $5.9 million. Growth was driven primarily by the Caribbean and Mexico, but shipments also increased year-over-year to Canada, the Philippines and Taiwan.
A detailed summary of the January-April export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website, usmef.org. — USMEF
