USMEF Reports Red Meat Exports Hit 2013 Highs in June


US Meat ExportsJune was the best month of the year for U.S. beef and pork exports. According to statistics released by USDA and complied by the U.S. Meat Export Federation – exports of U.S. beef and pork rose in volume and value over 2012 levels – while lamb exports continued their steady increase. Pork exports increased 2.4-percent in volume to 169,098 metric tons and edged a fraction higher in value to 4697.-million dollars. Beef exports increased eight-percent in volume to 101,720 metric tons and jumped 21-percent in value to 562.3-million dollars. Exports of lamb were up 29-percent in volume in June to 1,423 metric tons and nearly four-percent in value to 2.5-million. USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng says challenges persist – including the continued closure of the Russian market – but we are seeing positive signs from key markets like Japan and Mexico that are vital trading partners for the industry.

According to USMEF – Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Taiwan and Central/South America were the top performing beef export markets in June by volume. The absence of exports to Russia is felt – as the 5,903 metric tons of beef exported there last June made it the number six market for U.S. beef. Seng says USMEF continues relationship-building in Russia for when that market reopens – and stands ready to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality beef in China when access can be restored there for the first time since 2003. Mexico, Japan, China/Hong Kong, Central/South America, the ASEAN, Caribbean and Taiwan were the top pork export growth markets by volume in June.

For the year – U.S. beef exports are down one-percent in volume at 542,560 metric tons – but six-percent higher in value at 2.83-billion dollars. Pork exports for the first half of 2013 are down seven-percent in volume and value to 1.05-million metric tons valued at 2.94-billion. Total lamb exports for the year are up 17-percent in volume to 7,263 metric tons valued at 15.7-million dollars – a 25-percent jump. The biggest markets are Mexico and Canada.

 

Source: NAFB News Service

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