U.S. pork exports remained sturdy in February, reaching double-digit will increase over final 12 months in each quantity and worth, in accordance with knowledge launched by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Beef exports had been decrease year-over-year however improved from the low totals posted in January.
February pork exports totaled 219,729 metric tons, up 11% from a 12 months in the past, whereas export worth elevated 10% to $596 million. This included a very robust efficiency for pork selection meat exports, which jumped 40% to almost 48,000 mt, valued at $111.8 million – up 25% and the eighth highest on report.Â
By way of February, whole pork and pork selection meat exports elevated 12% to 456,496 mt, valued at $1.24 billion (up 13%). Exports are on a report tempo for Mexico and the Dominican Republic and trending larger year-over-year to China-Hong Kong, Central America, the ASEAN area and Taiwan.
“After setting a price report in 2022, the momentum for pork selection meat exports continues this 12 months,” mentioned USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Whereas that is largely attributable to a rebound in exports to China, demand can be strengthening in different markets together with Mexico and the Philippines. It additionally displays an improved labor scenario, which has helped the U.S. business enhance its seize charge and broaden the vary of locations for pork selection meats.”
Beef exports totaled 105,057 mt in February, down 3% from a 12 months in the past, whereas export worth dropped 16% to $757.8 million. For the primary two months of the 12 months, exports had been down 9% from final 12 months’s massive quantity to simply underneath 206,000 mt, whereas export worth dipped 24% to $1.46 billion. February exports to Japan and South Korea elevated barely from a 12 months in the past, although worth trended decrease. By way of February, beef exports trended considerably larger year-over-year to Mexico, the Caribbean, the European Union and South Africa.
“On the meat aspect, it was encouraging to see a modest rebound in comparison with January,” Halstrom mentioned. “With Asian markets persevering with to ease indoor masks mandates and remove journey restrictions, we anticipate to see a continued enhance in restaurant visitors and foodservice demand because the 12 months progresses.”
Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 224 mt in February, up 26% from a 12 months in the past, whereas worth elevated barely to $1.23 million. Led by development in Mexico, the Netherlands Antilles, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Guatemala, January-February exports elevated 70% to 446 mt, whereas worth was up 31% to $2.33 million.
An in depth abstract of the January-February export outcomes for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, together with market-specific highlights, is offered from the USMEF web site.
