Mar 10 2025 2 mins
Exports of U.S. beef trended higher than a year ago in January, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were slightly below last January’s large totals, despite another outstanding performance in Mexico and Central America.
In this week’s audio report, USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom details the areas seeing growth in exports and how those exports are tied to free trade agreements.
January beef exports reached 102,840 metric tons (mt), up 3% year-over-year, while value increased 5% to $804.6 million. Growth was driven in part by larger exports to China and Canada, while exports to South Korea were steady in volume but higher in value. Strong value increases were also achieved in other key markets, including Taiwan, the Caribbean, Central America and the ASEAN. Exports of beef variety meat were the largest in nearly two years, led by larger shipments to Mexico, Egypt, Canada and China/Hong Kong.
Pork exports totaled 243,965 mt in January, down 3% from a year ago, while value eased 2% to $668 million. Shipments soared to Central America and were the fourth largest on record to leading market Mexico. Exports also increased year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, but these results were offset by sharply lower shipments to Japan, Korea and Colombia.
A detailed summary of the January export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.