February 26, 2007

U.S. red meat exports continue to increase in 2006

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) reports U.S. pork and pork variety meat exports to countries around the world totalled 1.26 million metric tonnes (MT), posting a 9 percent increase over the previous year. Value also increased 9 percent in 2006, reaching more than $2.86 billion.

Although a great deal of attention was focused on resumption of U.S. beef trade in Japan, it remained the number one market in value for U.S. pork and pork variety meat with a value of US$1.04 billion. Although value dipped 4 percent from 2005, Japan was the only market to exceed US$1 billion in U.S. pork sales in 2006.

Mexico led all markets in volume of U.S. pork and pork variety meat exports at 356,418 MT, a 7 percent increase over 2005. USMEF encourages U.S. pork purchases through retail promotions, cooking classes, appealing retail marketing and education on U.S. pork's role in overall health.

Other areas that showed growth in 2006 include South Korea, Russia and the Caribbean. Meat prices in South Korea are at an all-time high, so USMEF showed consumers how the taste and quality of U.S. pork is similar to domestic pork, but at a lower price. U.S. pork and pork variety meat exports to this market in 2006 increased 52 percent in volume to 109,198 MT and 50 percent in value to US$232.1 million compared to 2005.

USMEF Korea director Jihae Yang said favourable price, good flavour and high quality has encouraged more consumers to try US chilled pork.

USMEF regional director Chad Russell said the federation have had success with events that cultivate future customers of US pork while imparting important information about quality meat as part of a healthy diet, particularly for young, growing children. He added that US exports are not just increasing but help create sustained growth from an increased focus on health and diet.