Weekly USMEF Audio Report: Meat Exports to Caribbean Surging, with Pork Leading the Charge...

Sept. 1, 2009 - The Caribbean has been a bright spot for U.S. meat exports so far this year, with pork, beef and lamb exports all showing double-digit volume increases over the first half of 2008.

U.S.pork exports (including variety meat) have been particularly strong, increasing by 46 percent in volume and 44 percent in value over last year.

USMEF Caribbean representative Elizabeth Wunderlich says pork has not only become more popular with the region’s local population, but also with its hotel and restaurant industries. She explains that because Caribbean tourism has been struggling amid the global economic crisis, U.S. pork is providing an appealing, economical alternative for many foodservice providers.

Wunderlich also notes that with only a few exceptions, market access for U.S. pork has been fairly open and reliable in the region.

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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 and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, corn and soybean checkoff programs.

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.