2022 report yr for U.S. beef exports; pork exports end robust

U.S. beef exports set annual data for each quantity and worth in 2022, in response to year-end knowledge launched by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Pork exports completed decrease year-over-year however export worth was the third largest on report, trailing solely the highs reached in 2020 and 2021. Pork exports continued to achieve momentum in December, led by one other excellent efficiency in Mexico. Whereas lamb exports slowed in December, 2022 shipments have been sharply increased than the earlier two years, approaching the pre-COVID ranges of 2019.

Regardless of slowing towards the top of the yr, beef exports reached 1.47 million metric tons, up 2% from the earlier excessive in 2021. Export worth climbed to a report $11.68 billion, up 10% from 2021 and almost 40% above the earlier five-year common. The USA exported a report share of its record-large beef manufacturing in 2022, and at increased costs. Export worth to South Korea was $2.7 billion, up 13% and an all-time report for any single vacation spot, whereas exports to China/Hong Kong jumped 22% to $2.55 billion. Different markets during which beef exports achieved annual data included Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Colombia, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. 

In December, beef exports trended decrease than a yr in the past at 112,707 mt, down 7%, whereas worth fell 21% to $782.6 million. The December decline was due partly to a pointy drop in exports to China/Hong Kong, the place demand had been constrained by persistent zero-COVID insurance policies. China lifted most COVID restrictions in early December and resumed some worldwide journey in early January. Together with the latest easing of COVID-related chilly chain laws and inspections, these modifications supply a extra optimistic demand outlook for 2023. 

“2022 was a ground-breaking yr for U.S. beef’s worldwide presence, with international demand stronger than I’ve seen in all my years within the trade,” stated USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Late within the yr, exports actually felt the impression of persistent headwinds in our massive Asian markets, together with depressed buying and selling associate currencies and COVID-related challenges in China, however the lengthy record of nations during which data have been set showcases the trade’s give attention to diversifying export markets. Whereas the yr forward will likely be difficult as a result of provide constraints, the alternate charge scenario has improved and we nonetheless see room for development within the foodservice sector as extra areas proceed their gradual rebound from COVID.” 

Pork exports completed 2022 on a decidedly upward trajectory as December shipments reached 244,718 mt, up 13% year-over-year and the second largest of 2022 (barely under November). December export worth climbed 14% to $687.3 million. These outcomes pushed 2022 exports to 2.67 million mt, down 8.5% from a yr in the past, whereas export worth was $7.68 billion – down 5% from the report achieved in 2021. Exports of U.S. pork selection meat have been the second largest on report at greater than 530,000 mt, whereas export worth was record-high at $1.27 billion. 

Pork exports to Mexico set a quantity report in December on the way in which to a record-breaking yr during which exports elevated 10% to almost 960,000 mt. Export worth to Mexico soared 21% to $2.03 billion, topping the $2 billion mark for the primary time. December exports additionally set a price report in Central America and trended increased year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Australia. 2022 exports to the DR have been record-large in each quantity (85,551 mt, up 46%) and worth ($233.6 million, up 55%). 

“The Mexican market has been a star performer for U.S. pork for a few years, however the 2022 outcomes have been really outstanding,” Halstrom stated. “Within the face of rising competitors in Mexico, the U.S. pork trade has expanded product choices and located revolutionary methods to fulfill the wants of processors, retailers and foodservice operators. Along with Mexico, it’s gratifying to see such a broad vary of markets contributing to our latest export development, making the prospects for 2023 very promising.”

Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts completed 2022 sharply increased year-over-year at 2,225 mt, up 59% and the most important since 2019. Export worth elevated 49% to $13.2 million, additionally the very best since 2019. Progress was led by strengthening demand within the Caribbean, the place exports elevated 47% to 1,043 mt, valued at $7.5 million (up 32%). Exports additionally elevated considerably year-over-year to Mexico, Canada, the Philippines and Taiwan.

An in depth abstract of the 2022 export outcomes for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, together with market-specific highlights, is out there from the USMEF web site.