September 7, 2011

US ranks first in beef export

After a 10 year absence, US is again the world's largest beef exporter ahead of Australia and Brazil, following an increment of 25% in its beef exports from January-June this year to 620,851 tonnes.

If the trend continues, US beef and pork exports are likely to set several records in 2011, possibly passing the US$5 billion mark for the first time, according to the US Meat Export Federation.

First half beef exports equated to 13.8% of US production for the period. Mexico and Canada were the top two markets, accounting for 126,309 tonnes and 87,334 tonnes respectively.

Exports to Japan reached their highest monthly volume since 2003 in June, at 17,626 tonnes, taking the year's tally to 77,298 tonnes, 50% up on the first-half of 2010.

The federation said other key Asian markets for US beef have cooled somewhat from the red-hot pace set early in the year, but South Korea is still 73% ahead of 2010's first-half at 86,890 tonnes, with Hong Kong's 82% ahead at 26,521 tonnes.

"Heavy purchasing activity early in the year has led to high inventories in certain Asian markets, so it is not unexpected we would see some cooling off of our beef exports to these countries," federation president and chief executive Philip Seng said.

"But this confirms the need for continued, aggressive promotion, so we can keep export growth to Asia strong throughout the year. It is also encouraging to see exports performing so well in the Western Hemisphere and the Middle East."

In June, beef shipments to Central and South America were 51% up at 12,795 tonnes, led by strong growth in Chile, Peru, Colombia and Guatemala.

Exports to the Middle East were up 38% at 80,204 tonnes.