September exports of U.S. pork and beef were higher year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Pork exports are well-positioned to set annual volume and value records in 2024.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom explains Colombia drove much of the pork growth in September, as well as small and medium-sized markets in Central America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
“I think really the theme on pork is that the broad-based initiative growth globally, but especially in the emerging regions, is really a bright spot,” he says. “Without a doubt, we are on a pace to set a new volume and value record and maybe beat it substantially.”
September pork exports totaled 238,047 metric tons, up 8 percent from a year ago, while value increased 6 percent to $685.1 million. Through the first three quarters of the year, pork exports were 5 percent above last year’s pace at 2.23 million mt, with value up 7 percent to $6.36 billion.
Through September, pork exports to leading market Mexico are on a record pace, as are shipments to Central America, Colombia, and several Caribbean markets. Shipments are also up substantially to South Korea, Oceania, and the ASEAN region.
Beef
Exports of U.S. beef totaled 103,980 mt in September, up 5 percent year-over-year, while export value climbed 6 percent to $843.8 million. January-September exports increased 5 percent in value to $7.82 billion, despite volume falling 2 percent to 960,814 mt.
“I think one of the themes that stands out on the beef side is that we are really starting to see the food service sector rebound throughout most of Asia, and a lot of that is being driven by tourism,” Halstrom says. “Tourism is booming in both Japan and Korea, and we’re seeing the benefits.”
With the exception of China/Hong Kong, September beef exports trended higher than a year ago in all major Asian markets, while demand remained strong in Mexico and shipments to Central America were the largest in 18 months.