June exports of U.S. beef reached the highest value in nearly two years, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Beef exports totaled 110,155 metric tons (mt) in June, down 4% from a year ago but the second largest of 2024. Export value reached $938.3 million, up 3% year over year and the highest since August 2022. Exports trended higher to Japan and were the third largest on record to Taiwan, while shipments to Canada were the largest in nearly a decade.
June exports to South Korea were below last year but rebounded compared to May. Through the first half of the year, beef export value climbed 5% from a year ago to $5.22 billion, despite a 4% decline in volume (643,733 mt).
“June beef exports performed very well in Japan, which was great to see given the significant headwinds U.S. beef has faced there this year,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Export value also rebounded nicely in Korea and shipments to Taiwan and Canada were outstanding. This made for another strong month in terms of export value per head slaughtered, which was nearly $460 in June.”
Lamb export volume higher
June exports of U.S. lamb totaled 191 mt, up 26% from a year ago, although value declined 16% to $827,000. Through the first half of 2024, lamb exports increased 12% in volume (1,485 mt) and 19% in value ($8 million), with shipments trending higher to the Caribbean, Mexico, the ASEAN region, Canada and Taiwan, while exports were steady to Japan.
A detailed summary of the January-June export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website, usmef.org. — USMEF
