July 16, 2013

The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) reported that US red meat exports increased through the first seven months of this year compared to the same time last year.

US beef and beef variety meat exports worldwide increased 27% in value to US$1.42 billion and 16% in volume to 425,394 tonnes while US pork and pork variety meat exports were up 5% in value to US$1.7 billion, but declined 5% in volume to 704,138 tonnes (1.55 billion pounds).

Through July, Mexico continued to be the leading market for US beef and beef variety meat exports valued at US$670.8 million. Mexico, still the second-largest destination for US pork and pork variety meat, posted a 22% decline in value to US$248.2 million.

Canada, although not an area where US red meat marketing takes place, was the second-largest export market for US beef and beef variety meat. Canada is ranked third for US pork and pork variety meat exports.

Moving from North America to Asia, Japan was the fourth-largest market for US beef and beef variety meat exports Japan remained a lucrative market for US pork and pork variety meat exports as value increased 13% to US$667.8 million, almost three times the value of the next market, Mexico.

USMEF reports the Middle East continued as an expanding area for US beef and beef variety meat. USMEF also notes that US beef and beef variety meat exports to the Caribbean in July set a new monthly. And for US pork and pork variety meat exports, volume to Australia went up 39%. The Australian pork industry continues to struggle with high feed prices.