December beef exports were the largest in eight months, but full-year shipments fell substantially year over year, largely due to the ongoing trade impasse with China according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts were the largest in more than a decade.
December beef exports totaled 98,595 metric tons (mt), down 10.5% from a year ago but the largest since April (access to China was largely lost in March). Export value was $809.2 million, down 10% but also the highest since April. December shipments increased year-over-year to Taiwan, the Middle East, ASEAN, Caribbean, South America and Hong Kong, were steady to Japan and fell only modestly to Korea, Mexico and Canada.
But exports to China were minimal, offsetting gains elsewhere. When excluding China, December beef exports increased 4% year over year in volume and were 6% higher in value.
For the full calendar year, beef exports were down 12% from 2024 in volume (1.14 million mt) and were 11% lower in value ($9.33 billion). But excluding China, 2025 exports were down 3% in volume and just 0.4% in value.
“Global demand for U.S. beef—where it’s available to the millions of consumers who love it—has remained strong despite tight supplies and numerous headwinds,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “USMEF is encouraged by recent market access gains in some markets, but implementation remains key and the industry looks forward to capitalizing on these wins. But for U.S. beef exports to hit on all cylinders and help maximize the value of every animal, it is imperative that access to China is fully restored.”
For both U.S. beef and pork, December was an especially strong month for variety meat exports. Beef variety meat shipments achieved the highest-ever monthly value of $122.1 million, while pork variety meat exports were valued at nearly $105 million—the highest since March.
Lamb exports gained momentum
December exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 188 mt, down 10% from a year ago, but export value increased 11% to $1.1 million. Value growth was driven primarily by Mexico and the Bahamas.
For the full year, lamb muscle cut exports totaled 2,765 mt, up 38% and the largest since 2013. Export value climbed 29% to $15.2 million, the highest value since 2014. Shipments posted strong year-over-year growth in Mexico, Canada, Central America and Trinidad and Tobago. Mexico’s demand continues to expand to a wider range of items, including underutilized cuts from the breast and shoulder. — USMEF
