According to data released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), U.S. pork exports saw a year-over-year increase in August, largely driven by strong demand from Mexico. Conversely, U.S. beef exports fell below last year’s levels, while lamb exports experienced a significant rise, marking the highest volume since January.
In August, pork exports totaled 238,989 metric tons (mt), reflecting a 6% increase compared to the previous year, although it remains the second lowest volume recorded for 2024. The export value rose by 8% to reach $702.9 million. Alongside robust performance in Mexico, pork exports also increased to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the ASEAN region. Notably, shipments to Malaysia reached a record high, and exports to Colombia achieved a value record.
For the period from January to August, pork exports approached 2 million mt, marking a 4% increase year-over-year, with a total value of $5.68 billion—up 7%. USMEF projects that both the volume and value of pork exports will reach record highs by the end of 2024.
“Mexico once again led the charge for U.S. pork exports, with strong demand throughout the Western Hemisphere in August,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF President and CEO. “Record-high shipments to South America and strong growth in exports to Central America and the Caribbean indicate the competitive nature of these markets. It is crucial for the U.S. industry to maintain its market share while also expanding overall consumption.”
In contrast, U.S. beef exports totaled 102,682 mt in August, a 6% decline from last year, representing the lowest monthly total since January. The export value also decreased by 4% to $845.9 million. While demand for U.S. beef remained strong in Mexico, there was a decline in shipments to Japan, South Korea, and China/Hong Kong, despite higher exports to Taiwan, the Middle East, and the ASEAN region.
Through the first eight months of the year, beef exports were 3% lower than the previous year at 856,834 mt, but the total value increased by 4% to just under $7 billion.
“Beef demand in our major Asian markets seemed to lose a bit of momentum in August, yet exports to Mexico, Taiwan, and the Middle East remained steady,” Halstrom noted. “Although challenges in Asia persist, the ongoing tourism recovery in the region is encouraging. The recent removal of restrictions on U.S. beef by Colombia is expected to bolster fourth-quarter demand in Latin America, though this development came too late to impact August results.”
In August, U.S. lamb exports rose significantly, reaching 288 mt, an increase of 170% from last year’s low volumes. The export value for lamb was reported at $1.16 million, up 70%. From January to August, lamb exports were 20% higher in volume at 1,946 mt, and 23% higher in value at $10.2 million. The growth in lamb exports was primarily driven by increased shipments to the Caribbean and Mexico, alongside higher exports to the Philippines, Canada, Guatemala, and Taiwan.
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