US reports red meat export success
According to the latest figures from the US Department of Agriculture, in June, beef and pork enjoyed their best month of the year to date in both value and volume.
The figures, compiled by the US Meat Exporters Federation (USMEF), showed pork exports in June rose 2.4% in volume to 169,098 metric tons while value stood at $469.7m. Beef exports did better, rising 8% in volume to 101,720mt and 21% in value to $562.3m.
Off a lower base, lamb jumped 29% in volume to 1,423mt and 4% in value to $2.5m.
“There is no question that challenges persist, such as the continued closure of the Russian market, but we are seeing positive signs from key markets, including Japan and Mexico, that are vital trading partners for our industry,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO.
“We are focused on the markets where we can take advantage of opportunities, such as expanded access for US beef in Japan, the rebound in Taiwan and continued growth of the Hong Kong and Central/South America markets. At the same time, we continue relationship-building in Russia for when that market reopens, and stand ready to capitalise on the growing demand for high-quality beef in China when access can be restored for the first time since 2003.”
Other highlights include a 20% increase in pork exports to Mexico in June, nearly matching last year’s record for the same month. Other top markets in volume were Japan, which was up 4%, China and Hong Kong, up 15% and Central and South America, up 54%
Seng added: “The rebound in Mexico is particularly gratifying. An abundance of domestic pork in Mexico affected demand in the first quarter and the Russia closure had a negative impact on the prices paid for hams and other cuts sold to processors in Mexico. But we are focusing on this market with a pork imaging campaign that is getting positive reviews from importers and consumers alike.”
