February 21, 2022
US beef and pork exports in 2021 reach new record
Data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) showed US beef export numbers hit a new record of US$10 billion, while pork exports surpassed US$8 billion, also a new record, KPVI-DT reported.
Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the US Meat Export Federation said the record is extraordinary as the meat industry was affected by supply and logistical challenges.
Halstrom said the strong performance is thanks to the Asian market, notably in South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, as well as growth in Central and South America and a rebound in Mexico and Southeast Asia.
Halstrom also said they exported pork exports to face challenges last year match 2020's record because of China's swine herd recovery, but the US is less dependent on China compared to other major pork exporters.
Beef exports were up 1% in December 2021 compared to the year prior, while export values increased 33% to US$991.8 million, the third biggest month on record. The USMEF said these results pushed 2021's volume to 1.44 million metric tonnes, 15% up compared to the year prior and 7% higher than the previous 2018 record.
Export value reached US$10.58 billion, a 38% increase from 2020 and 27% higher than the previous record set in 2018. Korea, Japan, and China/Hong Kong each imported more than US$2 billion worth of beef.
December 2021 pork imports were 17% lower compared to the same month in 2020 at 215,872 metric tonnes, valued at US$604.3 million. Export volume was 2.92 million metric tonnes in 2021, 2% lower from the record set in 2020 but the export value increased 5% to reach a record US$8.11 billion.
The USMEF said China's declining demand last year was offset by record pork exports to Mexico, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and the Philippines. Japan and South Korea also increased their US imports including larger volumes of chilled pork.
US pork variety meat exports worldwide reached US$1.24 billion, a new value record and 19% up year-on-year.
- KPVI-DT
