December 5, 2013

US beef exports are still leading ahead of 2012's record pace, according to a September statistics released by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

US beef exports were 5% higher in September (1% higher for the year), fuelled by a 37% volume increase to Japan, 65% increase to Mexico, and 102% increase to Hong Kong.

The US exported 94,698 tonnes of beef in September valued at US$505.5 million. The figure accounted for 13% of total beef production and 11% of muscle cuts (versus 13% and 10%, respectively, last September).

In September, the export value per head of fed slaughter was US$249.00, up from US$227.65 a year ago.

At the same time, more pork are being held back in the US. Despite a boost in pork exports to the China and Hong Kong, and strong sales to the ASEAN, September pork exports were 5% less in value in September and 9% less in volume. For the year, both the volume and value of pork exports are 5% less.

The decline in pork exports to Japan and Russia amounts to nearly all of the reduction in pork export volume this year, and more than the total decline in export value.