September 13, 2011

Beef and pork dominates US export pack  

The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has reported that July was another strong month for US beef and pork exports.

In a news release, the organisation noted that both are on pace to set new export value records in 2011 and to eclipse the US$5 billion mark for the first time ever.

Beef exports set a new value record in July of US$513.1 million, on a volume of 120,424 tonnes. For the first seven months of the year, exports totalled 741,275 tonnes valued at nearly $3.1 billion - an increase of 26% in volume and 40% in value over last year's pace.

July pork exports totalled 169,547 tonnes valued at US$480.06 million - an increase of 16% in volume and 24% in value. This pushed the year to date total to 1.25 million tonnes valued at US$3.3 billion - increases of 14% and 20%, respectively, over last year.

"This is a testament to the commitment US producers and exporters have made to the international markets. Despite market access restrictions, high tariffs and other trade barriers, the investments we are making in foreign markets are paying tremendous dividends," said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng.