February 15, 2012

 

US red meat exports hit record high in 2011

 

 

Exports of US pork, beef and lamb set new records last year, reaching all-time highs in both volume and value at US$11.5 billion, according to statistics released and complied by the USDA and US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) respectively.

 

Pork exports totalled 2.255 million tonnes valued at US$6.11 billion, breaking the previous volume record of 2.052 million tonnes and shattering the value record of US$4.88 billion, which were both established in 2008. Over-year, pork exports were up 18% in volume and 28% in value. 

 

"It is extremely gratifying to see all red meat exports reaching new heights, even with the various trade obstacles we still face across the world," said USMEF President and CEO, Philip Seng. 

 

While the record-breaking performance of 2011 is impressive, Seng felt strongly that USMEF and its industry partners have laid the groundwork for even greater success in the future. 

 

"Demand for US red meat has never been stronger, and we are well-positioned to build on this success," he said. "We have the marketing tools in place to showcase the quality and consistency of US products, which our industry is able to deliver at a very competitive price and end users are able to utilise in extremely creative and innovative ways. Real opportunities exist for further growth, and USMEF fully intends to capitalise on this strong momentum."

 

For the year, pork exports equated to 27.5% of total production which includes both muscle cuts and variety meat. In terms of muscle cuts, exports totalled 23% of total production. This was raised substantially from 23.7% and 19%, respectively, in 2010. Export value per head slaughtered was US$55.55, an increase of 27% (nearly US$12) from a year ago. 

 

In December, pork exports were down slightly from November's record performance but remained well above the previous year's pace. Exports increased 16% in volume (215,870 tonnes) and 32% in value (US$582.6 million) from December 2010.

 

"Among the factors driving the success of US pork exports are the chilled programmes and value-added programmes that USMEF has implemented in several key markets, especially in north Asia," Seng said. "Producers, processors and exporters have really worked together in recent years to provide a wider range of high-quality products that we can use to expand these markets. As a result of this collaboration, premiums delivered by the international markets continue to have a very positive impact on the US pork industry's growth and profitability." 

 

In addition to setting a global value record, Seng noted that the US industry achieved new heights in its top two markets, Japan and Mexico. 

 

Pork exports to Japan set new records for both volume (493,313 tonnes) and value (US$1.96 billion), respective increases of 13% and 19% over 2010. While slightly lower in volume (537,535 tonnes) than last year, Mexico became the first market other than Japan to import more than US$1 billion in US pork in a single year. Exports to Mexico jumped 6% in value over 2010, reaching US$1.04 billion.

 

Other pork export highlights included several new records, with a very strong year in the Hong Kong/China region, pushing exports up by 64% in volume to 483,323 tonnes and nearly doubling in value to US$910 million, surpassing 2008 records. Exports to South Korea more than doubled in volume to 188,307 tonnes and increased 162% in value to US$497 million.

Exports to Australia grew 23% in volume of 64,350 tonnes and 38% in value of US$204.6 million, breaking the US$200 million mark just seven years after the first exports of US pork to this market. Central and South America saw increases of 21% in volume (72,023 tonnes) and 32% in value of US$186.6 million, as existing free trade agreements with Honduras and Chile boosted 2011 exports and newly ratified trade agreements with Panama and Colombia offer excellent opportunities for further growth in 2012.