U.S. beef exports remained on a red-hot pace in June, topping $1 billion for the fifth time this year (after twice reaching $1 billion in 2021), according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Exports of U.S. pork remained below last year’s large totals in June, while lamb exports continued to trend higher.
Broad-based growth fuels torrid first-half pace for beef export volume and value
June beef exports totaled 130,638 metric tons (mt), down slightly from the record volume posted in May but up 16 percent year-over-year and the fourth largest on record. Export value was $1.05 billion in June, also down slightly from the May record but 31 percent above last year. For the first half of 2022, beef exports increased 6 percent from a year ago to 743,904 mt, valued at $6.19 billion (up 33 percent).
While beef export growth has been largely driven by major Asian markets such as South Korea, China/Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan, exports are also trending higher to the ASEAN region, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East.
“The first-half performance for U.S. beef exports was nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the growing economic headwinds in many key markets and continued shipping and logistical challenges,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The rebound in the global foodservice sector has provided a tremendous lift in 2022, even though it is still far from a full recovery in many Asian and European destinations. We definitely see opportunities for further growth, though inflationary pressure and the stronger U.S. dollar continue to raise concerns about consumer spending power.”
Pork exports lower overall, but surging to Mexico, Colombia and DR
Pork exports reached 219,131 mt in June, down 8 percent from a year ago, valued at $649.9 million (down 7 percent). First-half exports were 18 percent below last year at 1.29 million mt, valued at $3.62 billion (down 16 percent).
Exports to leading market Mexico are well ahead of last year’s record pace, and first-half shipments were also record-large to the Dominican Republic. Exports are on a record value pace for Colombia and export value is also trending higher to South Korea. While pork shipments to China/Hong Kong are down significantly from a year ago, variety meat exports have regained some momentum.
“The decline in first-half pork exports was not unexpected, given the recovery in China’s domestic production and its reduced need for imports,” Halstrom said. “The good news is China’s hog price is up about 40 percent since mid-June and we are seeing some rebound in China’s demand for pork variety meat. Meanwhile, pork shipments to Mexico remain on a record-shattering pace and demand has also strengthened in recent months in markets such as Korea, Colombia, and the Caribbean. In these key destinations, the gains U.S. pork has made in the processing and retail sectors are being complemented by stronger sales in foodservice.”
Outstanding first half for U.S. lamb exports
June exports of U.S. lamb increased 56 percent from a year ago to 1,688 mt, while export value soared 84% to just under $3 million. First-half exports increased 48 percent from a year ago to 10,056 mt, while value jumped 70 percent to $15.4 million. Muscle cut exports increased 83 percent in volume (1,121 mt) and 86 percent in value ($6.8 million).
First-half exports to the Caribbean increased 95percent in volume (545 mt) and 109 percent in value ($4.1 million). Demand for both muscle cuts and variety meat increased in the leading market in Mexico, with total exports reaching 9,154 mt (up 45 percent from a year ago) valued at $9.6 million (up 61 percent).
A detailed summary of January-June red meat export results, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.
For questions, email Joe Schuele or call 303-547-0030.
