October 15, 2012

US August beef, pork exports down

Compared to a year ago, US beef and pork exports were lower in August.

This was according to data compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

US beef exports in August were 14% below August 2011 volume, but were the second-largest of the year at 100,468 tonnes, according to USMEF. The value of beef exports dipped 5%, but was the second-highest monthly total of 2012 at US$486.2 million. For January-August of this year, the volume of beef exports declined 11% compared to the same year-ago period, but was 2% above the 2011 record value pace at US$3.66 billion.

August US pork exports declined 6% in volume to 175,310 tonnes, and 7% in value to US$495.5 million, USMEF said. But the totals for volume and value were 10% and 6% higher compared to July. Pork exports gained 2% in volume to 1.474 million tonnes and 8% in value to total US$4.13 billion in the first eight months of 2012.

"We face a challenging business climate in several key markets, with rising production costs and slowing economic growth creating some anxiety among buyers," said Philip Seng, president and CEO of USMEF. "We're also seeing a surge in domestic meat supplies in some areas, particularly in South Korea. But the commitment to enhancing global demand for US beef and pork remains very strong, as evidenced by the terrific support of our producer organisations.

"These are the circumstances in which effective global marketing takes on an even greater level of importance, as producers need to maximise the value of every cut and every carcass," he added.