U.S. meat exports in February strongest to Mexico

   The largest export market for U.S. pork and beef in February was Mexico, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Meat Export Federation.
   Beef sales to Mexico in the first two months of 2014 were up 26 percent in volume, to 37,638 metric tons, and 40 percent in value ($183 million), while pork exports were 16 percent higher in volume (113,677 metric tons) and 21 percent in value ($222.3 million).
   Lamb exports in February globally rose 1 percent in value ($2 million) on 6 percent lower volumes (849 metric tons). Mexico continues to be the dominant purchaser of U.S. lamb, accounting for 86.8 percent of the volume in the first two months of the year and 55.1 percent of the value.
   “Mexico continues to be an invaluable trading partner for our industry,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and chief executive officer, in a statement.
   February pork exports totaled 182,412 metric tons, up 2 percent from a year ago, while export value also rose 2 percent to $506.4 million. Cumulative exports for the first two months of the year similarly were 2 percent ahead of last year’s pace in both volume (373,973 metric tons) and value ($1.04 billion).
   February beef exports were down slightly from a year ago to 85,876 metric tons, reflecting smaller variety meat exports, but value was up 12 percent to $480.3 million. January-February exports were 6 percent higher in volume (183,700 metric tons) and 14 percent in value ($994.8 million).