April Beef and Pork Exports Impacted by China Impasse, but Lamb Trends Higher
Hear/Download the Audio Report HERE.
Due in part to a sharp decline in shipments to China, April exports of U.S. beef and pork trended lower than a year ago, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). China’s retaliatory duties are a major headwind for both U.S. beef and pork, while beef exporters face an additional obstacle. China has failed to renew establishment registrations for U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities, the majority of which expired in mid-March.
April beef exports were down 10% from a year ago (to 100,659 metric tons), while value fell 8% ($824.5 million). In the attached audio report, USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom explains that while exports to China declined nearly 70% in April, shipments increased to South Korea, Japan and Central and South America. He notes that U.S. beef is regaining traction in Colombia after access was limited last year due to restrictions related to highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cows.
Pork exports were down 15% in April (to 237,250 metric tons) and fell 13% in value ($675.3 million). Exports to China, which are mainly pork variety meats, declined 35%. Shipments were also lower year-over-year to leading market Mexico, though this was compared to a record performance in April 2024. April was another outstanding month for pork exports to Colombia and Central America, which are both on a record pace.
Lamb exports were a bright spot in April, climbing nearly 50% from a year ago (to 257 metric tons), including a near-doubling of shipments to leading market Mexico. Halstrom says underutilized lamb cuts from the breast and shoulder are increasingly popular in Mexico.
A detailed summary of the April red meat export results is available from the USMEF website.