March 14, 2012

US red meat exports manifest good indications

After a record-setting year in 2011, US red meat exports have a tough act to follow, but the early indications for 2012 are good, according to USDA statistics compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. 

January pork exports jumped 28% in volume and 43% in value while beef exports were even in volume but rose 14% in value.

"There is a challenge to follow a very successful year like 2011 and sustain the momentum," said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. "The good news is that there are opportunities to expand the presence of US red meat by exploring new market niches as well as increasing access with several key trading partners."

Several key measurements also showed continued growth including export value per head and percentage of total production exported.

For pork, January's export value equated to US$59.44 per head of commercial slaughter compared to US$43.59 a year ago. Pork exports accounted for 29.6% of total US pork production (including variety meat) in January versus 24.2% last year. For just pork muscle cuts, 25% of production was exported this January compared to 20% last year.

Beef exports equated to US$197.95 per head of fed slaughter in value compared to US$170.10 last year. The percentage of production exported - 12.3% for beef and variety meats and 9% for just muscle cuts- remained the same.