July 16, 2004

U.S. Beef Exports Up; Canada And Mexico Only Two Major Markets

During May, the U.S. exported 28,721 MT of beef and veal cuts and beef variety meats. Although this was 31.9 percent higher than the previous month, it was 73.3 percent lower than May 2003. This is due to the bans that remained in place by many countries on U.S. beef because of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Canada and Mexico were the only two major markets open to U.S. beef; however, both countries limit U.S. exports to boneless cuts from cattle under the age of 30 months. During May, U.S. beef variety meat exports rose 36.3 percent over April to 15,814 MT.

However, this was down 51.2 percent from May 2003. Total year-to-date beef variety meat exports equaled 47,774 MT, 71.0 percent less than a year ago. Meanwhile, during May, the U.S. exported 18,624 MT of beef to Mexico, which was up 78.4 percent from the previous month due to the border re-opening in March. However, this was 44.1 percent below May 2003. Total year-to-date beef exports to Mexico were 71.4 percent less than last year, amounting to 36,266 MT. Mexico was the primary market for U.S. beef exports with 44.2 percent of the total. Poland was the second largest market for U.S. beef with 8.7 percent of the total exports. Overall, total year-to-date U.S. beef and veal and beef variety meat exports equaled 82,047 MT, 83.8 percent less than the corresponding period a year ago as BSE-induced bans continued to limit U.S. beef exports.

Source:  AMS/USDA