Positive start to year for US red meat exports

By Georgi Gyton

- Last updated on GMT

US sees red meat exports on the up
US sees red meat exports on the up

Related tags Red meat exports Meat export federation Meat Beef Lamb Pork

US beef, pork and lamb exports have all increased since the start of 2014, despite the prospect of challenging market conditions ahead, according to new data from the United States Department for Agriculture (USDA).

The figures, compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), revealed that beef exports rose 13% in volume to 97,824mt and 16% in value, to $514.5m, in January 2014, with the increase driven by double-digit growth in exports to Mexico, Japan and Hong Kong.

The volume of exports to Mexico was up 23% to 20,228 metric tons (mt) with value up 27% to $93.6m. Volumes to Japan were up 53% to 15,655mt, with value increasing by 28% to $92.9m, while Hong Kong increased volumes by 83% to 12,811mt, with value up 118% to $80.9m.

Indonesia saw the highest growth rates, albeit from a much smaller base, with volumes up 3,313% to 1,741mt, and value increasing 879% to $14.79m.

US beef also saw good growth in Central and South America. Chile was the number one destination, but triple-digit growth was seen in Colombia. Declines were seen in Canada, with exports down 26% in volume and 21% in value terms, predominantly due to the impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.

Pork also experienced solid export growth to Mexico, with volumes up 9% to 59,825mt, and value up 10% to $113.2m. According to USMEF, Japan took its largest import of US pork since October 2012 – 39,069mt or an increase of 4% - helping push overall pork exports up by 3% in volume (191,561mt) and 2% in value ($535.6m).

Sales to Hong Kong/China rose 15% in value terms ($82.7m), although volumes were flat at 34,766mt. Colombia’s intake of US pork rose 270% in value to $12.4m, with volumes up 258% to 4,732mt.

Exports of US lamb increased 7% overall in volume, to 1,056mt, and 9% in value to $2.7m. Mexico remained the number one destination for exports, taking 913mt.

Philip Seng, USMEF president and chief executive, said: "In pork, there are a number of recognised challenges on the production side, as well as unresolved access issues. In addition, we are also seeing increased competition in the form of higher marketing budgets and favourable prices for the EU, Brazil and Canada."

He added that with US beef production expected to fall 5% this year, and already running below the levels seen in 2013, it will be challenging to maintain export levels.

Higher US pork and beef prices will create challenges for American red meat exports in the months ahead, added USMEF.

Related topics Meat

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