U.S. beef exports heat up in August

The United States increased beef export volumes and value in August from 12 months prior, despite the nation experiencing modest declines in pork exports in terms of volumes and value.    U.S. beef exports in August rose in terms of volumes and value from 12 months prior, despite modest declines in U.S. pork export volumes and value from August 2016, according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which was compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
   Meanwhile, U.S. lamb export volumes declined from August 2016, despite an uptick in U.S. lamb export value.
   Beef exports refer to beef and beef variety meat; pork exports refer to pork and pork variety meat; and lamb exports refer to lamb, mutton and lamb variety meat.
   In August, the U.S. exported 112,069 metric tons of beef valued at $679.1 million, up 4.9 percent and 19.8 percent year-over-year, respectively. Japan was the leading market for U.S. beef exports in terms of volumes and value during the month, with beef exports to the nation totaling 31,001 metric tons valued at $200.1 million.
   The U.S. also exported 183,658 metric tons of pork in August, a 1.6 percent drop 12 months prior, while U.S. pork export value for the month slipped 0.3 percent. During the month, Mexico was the leading volumes market for U.S. pork exports at 65,037 metric tons, while Japan was the leading value market at $140 million.
   U.S. lamb export volumes in August totaled 659 metric tons, a 14.2 percent decline from 12 months prior, despite U.S. lamb export value surging 20.1 percent to $1.7 million. As usual, Mexico was the leading market for U.S. lamb exports in terms of volumes and value during the month, with lamb exports to the nation totaling 466 metric tons valued at $596,000.
   Looking ahead, USMEF CEO Philip Seng said, “As we head into the final quarter, 2017 is shaping up as a very solid year for red meat exports, but one in which the U.S. industry still faces significant challenges. “We have new pork plants coming on line and strong cattle-on-feed numbers, which sends a positive signal to our international customers about product availability,” he said. “But the international markets are increasingly competitive, so we must continue to aggressively pursue new opportunities for U.S. red meat products in both our traditional mainstay destinations and in emerging markets.”