U.S. beef exports were below year-ago levels in August while lamb exports trended higher, posting the largest volume since January, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Beef exports totaled 102,682 metric tons (mt) in August, down 6% from a year ago and the lowest since January. Export value fell 4% to $845.9 million. Mexico’s demand for U.S. beef remained robust in August, while exports also trended higher to Taiwan, the Middle East and the ASEAN region. But these results were offset by lower shipments to Japan, South Korea and China/Hong Kong.
Through the first eight months of the year, beef exports were 3% below last year at 856,834 mt but were 4% higher in value at just under $7 billion.
“Beef demand in our major Asian markets seemed to lose a bit of momentum in August, but exports held up well to Mexico, Taiwan and the Middle East,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The headwinds in Asia remain formidable, but we are encouraged by the region’s ongoing tourism rebound. The late-September removal of Colombia’s restrictions on U.S. beef is also a positive development. While this came too late to impact the August results, it will help bolster fourth-quarter demand in Latin America.”
August lamb exports largest this year
Exports of U.S. lamb reached 288 mt in August, up 170% from last year’s low volume. Export value was $1.16 million, up 70%. These results drove January-August exports 20% above last year’s pace in volume (1,946 mt) and 23% higher in value ($10.2 million). While larger shipments to the Caribbean and Mexico accounted for most of this growth, exports also trended higher year-over-year to the Philippines, Canada, Guatemala and Taiwan. — USMEF
