Exports of U.S. beef trended higher than a year ago in January, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
January beef exports reached 102,840 metric tons (mt), up 3% year over year, while value increased 5% to $804.6 million. Growth was driven in part by larger exports to China and Canada, while exports to South Korea were steady in volume but higher in value.
Strong value increases were also achieved in other key markets, including Taiwan, the Caribbean, Central America and the ASEAN. Exports of beef variety meat were the largest in nearly two years, led by larger shipments to Mexico, Egypt, Canada and China/Hong Kong.
“Demand for U.S. beef came on strong in the Asian markets late last year, and that momentum largely continued in January,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The performance in Korea is especially encouraging, given the country’s political turmoil and slumping currency. It is also gratifying to see exports trending higher to China, though we are concerned about access to the market moving forward, as many U.S. beef and pork plants are awaiting word on their eligibility beyond mid-March.”
Lamb exports fairly steady
January exports of U.S. lamb fell 7% from a year ago to 282 mt, while value was down 1% to $1.68 million. But muscle cut exports increased slightly in both volume (255 mt) and value ($1.46 million), led by robust growth in Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago and the Netherlands Antilles. These gains were partially offset by sharply lower shipments to Canada.
A detailed summary of the January export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website, usmef.org. — USMEF
