U.S. beefs up meat exports in September

Beef exports from the United States in September rose from a year prior due to stronger exports to Japan and South Korea, while pork exports picked up thanks to shipments to Mexico.    Beef, pork and lamb exports from the United States in terms of volumes and value surged in September from a year prior, 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.
   During the month, the U.S. exported 101,224 metric tons of beef valued at $533.3 million, year-over-year increases of 27 percent and 17 percent, respectively, thanks to stronger exports to Japan and South Korea. Japan was the leading market for U.S. beef exports in terms of volumes and value in September, with beef exports to the nation totaling 22,882 metric tons valued at $132.1 million.
   Meanwhile, the U.S. exported a total of 183,936 metric tons of pork valued at $491 in September, year-over-year increases of 7 percent and 8 percent, respectively, boosted by increased exports to Mexico. During the month, Mexico was the leading market for U.S. pork exports in terms of volumes and vale, with pork exports to the nation reaching 66,567 metric tons valued at $131.4 million.
   “We have large supplies of pork and beef hitting the market and moving these higher volumes is certainly a challenge,” USMEF President Philip Seng said. “But this is also presenting expanded opportunities in the international markets, as we are able to introduce new cuts and value-added products, and recapture market share from our key competitors.”
   Meanwhile, the U.S. exported 740 metric tons of lamb valued at $1.7 million in September, year-over-year increases of 19 percent and 26 percent, respectively. “Exports to leading market Mexico edged higher in September and it was also a strong month for exports to the Bahamas, Canada and the Philippines,” the USMEF said.