U.S. pork exports trended higher year-over-year in January, led by another outstanding performance from leading market Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
“Very impressive start to the year for U.S. pork in Mexico and other Western Hemisphere markets, but strengthening demand in Asian destinations is especially encouraging,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The U.S. industry continues to capitalize on consumers’ growing demand for convenience-oriented products at both retail and foodservice, and this is reflected in our recent export results.”
January beef exports were lower than a year ago due to the prolonged lockout in China, but export value per head of fed slaughter was more than $415 – the highest since March and reflecting solid demand in other markets. Beef variety meats were a major bright spot, with export value topping the previous monthly high reached in December.
“Beef variety meat value reaching new heights for the second consecutive month is great news for cattle producers and for the entire supply chain,” Halstrom said. “With cattle numbers being tight, it is more critical than ever to maximize the value of every animal. And while much of this export growth was driven by tongues and skirts going to Japan, demand was strong in a wide range of markets.”
When excluding China from the January results, exports increased 5% in volume and climbed 16% in value.
Source: USMEF
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