September Red Meat Exports Above Year-Ago; Pork on Pace for Annual Record
Hear/Download the Audio Report HERE.
September exports of U.S. pork and beef were higher year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), with pork exports well-positioned to set annual volume and value records in 2024.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom explains much of the pork growth in September was driven by Colombia, as well assmall and medium-sized markets in Central America, Southeast Asia and Oceania.
September pork exports totaled 238,047 metric tons (mt), up 8% from a year ago, while value increased 6% to $685.1 million. Through the first three quarters of the year, pork exports were 5% above last year’s pace at 2.23 million mt, with value up 7% to $6.36 billion.
Through September, pork exports to leading market Mexico are on a record pace, as are shipments to Central America, Colombia and several Caribbean markets. Shipments are also up substantially to South Korea, Oceania and the ASEAN region.
Exports of U.S. beef totaled 103,980 mt in September, up 5% year-over-year, while export value climbed 6% to $843.8 million. January-September exports increased 5% in value to $7.82 billion, despite volume falling 2% to 960,814 mt.
With the exception of China/Hong Kong, September beef exports trended higher than a year ago in all major Asian markets, while demand remained strong in Mexico and shipments to Central America were the largest in 18 months.
Full export statistics for the month of September are available on the USMEF website.