U.S. Beef Exports Set Monthly Records in Taiwan, South Korea

U.S. beef exports to Taiwan and South Korea reached new heights in August, according to the latest trade data issued by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Exports to Taiwan totaled 7,439 metric tons (mt) valued at nearly $64 million, while shipments to Korea topped $183 million on a volume of 27,149 mt.

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom points out that Taiwan's foodservice sector has made an impressive recovery from COVID-19 related restrictions imposed earlier in the year, while retail demand for U.S. beef remains extremely strong. Halstrom notes that the United States has dominated Taiwan's imports of chilled beef in recent years, capturing more than 75% market share. In August, U.S. beef accounted for more than 80% of Taiwan's chilled imports.

Halstrom explains that the foodservice environment has been more challenging in Korea, where restaurants and hotels have faced several rounds of COVID-19 safety measures throughout the year. But U.S. beef is thriving in Korea's retail sector and beef sales have made strong gains on e-commerce platforms during the pandemic. He adds that cattle herd rebuilding efforts in Australia have tightened supplies of Australian beef, further enhancing opportunities for U.S. beef export growth.

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The U.S. Meat Export Federation (www.USMEF.org) is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry. It is funded by USDA; the beef, pork, lamb, corn and soybean checkoff programs, as well as its members representing nine industry sectors: beef/veal producing & feeding, pork producing & feeding, lamb producing & feeding, packing & processing, purveying & trading, oilseeds producing, feedgrains producing, farm organizations and supply & service organizations. USMEF complies with all equal opportunity, non-discrimination and affirmative action measures applicable to it by contract, government rule or regulation or as otherwise provided by law. USMEF is an equal opportunity employer and provider.