January 5, 2007

US beef, pork exports surge in 2006
 

Even as the US beef industry continues to struggle with key Asian markets, exports last year presented a bright picture with remarkable performance in Mexico and Canada, according to figures by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Beef exports for the first 10 months of 2006 increased 44 percent from 2005 by volume and 58 percent by value, with Canada and Mexico logging 136 and 62 percent increases in US beef consumption, respectively, noted the USMEF.

The increase could be attributed to the fact that both countries place fewer restrictions on US beef, particularly bone-in product and therefore offer greater market access, USMEF research manager Erin Daley was quoted as saying.

Prospects for growth were particularly strong in Mexico, she emphasised, owing to anticipated increases in meat consumption and per capita income. Japan on the other hand was lately becoming a poor market for the US because of its import restrictions.

Pointing out to the prevailing import restriction in Japan of not allowing beef from cattle older than 20 months, she said US exporters could hope for a strong recovery from Japan only if the latter relaxed this rule.

South Korea, once a big market for US beef has now been creating problems with its rigid rules on beef import.

Meantime, US pork exports were poised for a record year in 2006.

Total US pork exports for January through October, amounted to 1,026 tonnes valued at nearly US$ 2.316 billion, per USMEF data.

The US pork industry has become more export-oriented, Daley pointed out.