Group says meat exports remain strong

Group says meat exports remain strong Pork and beef exports are remaining strong despite the global economic downturn, the U.S. Meat Export Federation said.
   “Pork exports in particular held up extremely well, posting the third-largest monthly volume on record that equates to a 46 percent volume increase over exports from October of 2007 and a 55.5 percent increase in value,” the group said. Pork exports were valued at $487 million for 425.4 million pounds.
   While beef exports in October were below the level reached in summer months they were 16 percent higher than October 2007. U.S. beef and variety meat exports for the month reached were valued at $348.3 million for 196.7 million pounds.
   “The effects of the global economic turmoil are being felt in many markets, and these market conditions almost certainly have tempered the export numbers that we might have seen from U.S. beef and pork had the credit markets not taken such a hit,” said Erin Daley, economist for the U.S. Meat Export Federation. “However, we are continuing to see the value and quality of U.S. exports reflected in the export numbers.”