U.S. beef, pork exports rise in April

However, U.S. lamb export volumes and total value for the month fell 23 percent and 19 percent, respectively, compared with the previous April.    U.S. beef and pork exports increased in terms of both volume and value in April from a year prior, while lamb exports during the month tumbled, according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 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 99,786 metric tons of beef valued at $550.4 million in April, a year-over-year increase of 13 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
   During the month, Japan was the leading market for U.S. beef exports in terms of volumes and value, with the U.S. exporting 23,540 metric tons of beef to Japan valued at $143.3 million.
   Meanwhile, the U.S. exported 203,091 metric tons of pork valued at $517.5 million in April, a year-over-year increase of 8 percent and 11 percent, respectively.
   Mexico was the leading market for U.S. pork exports in terms of volumes in April at 58,828 metric tons, while Japan was the leading market for U.S. pork exports in terms of value during the month at $129.5 million.
   “While April was a very solid month for U.S. red meat exports, we remain in an extremely competitive situation across the world and must stay aggressive with our marketing efforts,” USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng said.
   U.S. lamb export volumes in April tumbled 23 percent year-over-year to 493 metric tons, while U.S. lamb export value slid 19 percent from April 2016 to $1.3 million.
   As usual, Mexico was the leading market for U.S. lamb exports in terms of volumes and value in April, with the U.S. exporting 354 metric tons of lamb to Mexico valued at $409,000.