Exports of U.S. beef posted year-over-year increases in October, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
October beef exports totaled 105,269 metric tons (mt), up 1% from a year ago, while value increased 3% to $860.4 million. Shipments to Mexico maintained their impressive 2024 performance in October, while exports rebounded to South Korea and China/Hong Kong and increased year-over-year in Central America, the Caribbean and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region. For January through October, beef export value was 4% above last year at $8.68 billion, despite a 2% decline in volume (1.066 million mt).
“It’s encouraging to see an uptick in demand for U.S. beef in China and Korea, where the economic headwinds have been formidable this year,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Our Western Hemisphere markets have been outstanding, and exports have also expanded to the ASEAN region. So if U.S. beef can regain momentum in these larger Asian destinations, this bodes well for 2025.”
Lamb exports fairly steady
October exports of U.S. lamb totaled 185 mt, up 2% from a year ago, though value fell about 8% to just over $1 million. Exports to the Caribbean trended higher in October, led by strong demand in the Bahamas, but shipments were lower to Mexico and Canada.
January-October lamb exports were 12% above last year at 2,298 mt, while value climbed 14% to $12.1 million.
A detailed summary of the January-October export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website, usmef.org. — USMEF
