U.S. beef, pork exports heat up in October

The United States saw a boost in beef and pork exports in terms of volumes and value in October compared to 12 months prior, despite lamb export volumes and value declining.    U.S. beef and pork exports in October increased in terms of volumes and value compared to 12 months prior, despite lamb export volumes and value declining, according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which was compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
   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.
   The U.S. exported 111,287 metric tons of beef valued at $662.1 million in October, up 5 percent and 18.3 percent year-over-year, respectively, largely thanks to stronger beef exports to Japan.
   During the month, Japan was the leading market for U.S. beef exports in terms of volumes and value, with beef exports to the nation totaling 23,981 metric tons valued at $147.1 million.
   “The U.S. beef industry has really broadened its reach in Japan, expanding the range of cuts offered and the retail and foodservice venues in which they are featured,” USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said. “But USMEF remains concerned about market access barriers in Japan, as we face significantly higher tariffs than our main competitor, Australia, and import safeguards that could hinder further growth.”
   Meanwhile, U.S. pork export volumes in October reached 211,592 metric tons, ticking up 4.8 percent year-over-year, while pork export value totaled $565.4 million, rising 8.5 percent.
   Mexico was the leading market for U.S. pork exports in terms of volumes during the month at 69,529 metric tons, while Japan was the leading value market for U.S. pork exports at $134.5 million.
   Mexico is an especially important destination for U.S. hams, Halstrom said. “Although ham prices are currently below last year’s level, they have been up an average of 2 percent in 2017 and predictions of ham prices plummeting have not come true,” he said. “Strong demand in Mexico is absolutely a key reason for this.”
   Despite U.S. beef and pork exports holding strong in October, U.S. lamb export volumes tumbled 6.7 percent from 12 months prior to 560 metric tons, while U.S. lamb export value fell 6.4 percent to $1.3 million.
   As usual, Mexico was the leading volumes and value market for U.S. lamb exports during the month, with the U.S. exporting 373 metric tons to Mexico valued at $406,000.