March exports of U.S. pork were steady with last year’s volume and edged higher in value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Beef exports were below last March’s large volume, but export value was the highest since June 2023.
Pork exports totaled 260,430 metric tons (mt) in March, up 0.1% from a year ago, valued at $740.8 million – up 2% year-over-year and the seventh highest on record. March shipments to South Korea were among the largest on record, while exports also increased substantially to Central America, Colombia, Oceania, Vietnam and Malaysia. Pork export value per head slaughtered averaged $70.85, the highest in nearly three years and the fifth highest on record.
“Another strong month on the pork side, and one that illustrates the importance of export market diversification,” noted USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Shipments to Mexico cooled a bit, reflecting the earlier timing for Easter, and yet the global total remained very robust through increases to Korea, Colombia, Central America and Australia. When export value exceeds $70 per head slaughtered, that’s welcome news for pork producers and the entire supply chain.”
March beef exports totaled 108,218 mt, down 10% from the large volume posted a year ago but still the highest of 2024. Export value was $889.9 million, down slightly from a year ago (-0.3%) but the highest in nine months. March export value equated to $454.62 per head of fed slaughter, the highest since mid-2022.
“Beef demand in the Caribbean was outstanding in March, and we continued to see a strong rebound in the Middle East as well as some positive signs in Korea and Japan, where the foodservice recovery is making progress,” Halstrom said. “It’s a challenging situation in terms of supply availability, but the value U.S. beef commands internationally is very encouraging – as evidenced by March export value climbing to more than $450 per head.”
U.S. Meat Export Federation
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