USMEF Weekly Audio: Rebound in Western Hemisphere Markets Highlights Latest Beef and Pork Export Results
U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). It was also another strong month for U.S. pork exports – which already set new full-year volume and value records, even with December results still to be added.
November beef exports were the largest in more than a year at 115,337 metric tons (mt), valued at $707.5 million. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom notes that beef exports to Mexico, which have been heavily impacted by COVID-19, rebounded to the largest volume since 2016. Exports to Central America were also strong, led by a record month for Guatemala.
November pork export volume was 258,801 mt, valued at $697.5 million, with Mexico also among the top-performing markets. Halstrom was also encouraged by a rebound in pork exports to South America, where shipments to Chile far exceeded last year and exports to Colombia were the largest since being impacted by COVID-19.
USMEF’s detailed summary of January-November red meat exports, including market-specific highlights, is available online.
November Beef Exports Largest in More than a Year; 2020 Pork Exports Top Previous Annual Record
U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). November was also a strong month for pork exports, which already surpassed the full-year volume and value records set in 2019.
“Demand for U.S. beef in the global retail sector has been outstanding and we expect this to continue in 2021,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Unfortunately, foodservice continues to face COVID-related challenges. We expect a broader foodservice recovery this year, especially from mid-2021, but will likely still see interruptions in some markets. For U.S. pork, it’s great to set new records with an entire month to spare, but especially gratifying to see a diverse range of markets contributing to U.S. export growth. USMEF still expects strong pork demand from China in 2021, but we’re seeing a much-needed rebound in other regions, especially in Western Hemisphere markets.”
November beef exports totaled 115,337 metric tons (mt), up 6% from a year ago and the largest since July 2019. Export value climbed 8% year-over-year to $707.5 million. November beef muscle cut exports were the third largest on record at 91,338 mt (up 13%, trailing only July and August 2019), valued at $630.4 million (up 11%). November exports to China and Guatemala set new monthly records, while shipments to Mexico were the largest since 2016. Exports to Taiwan remained strong and are well-positioned to set in a new annual record in 2020.
Through November, beef exports were 6% lower year-over-year in volume (1.13 million mt) and down 7% in value ($6.9 billion). January-November muscle cut exports were 3% below 2019 in volume (883,012 mt) and 6% lower in value ($6.11 billion).
November pork export volume was steady year-over-year at 258,801 mt, with value down 2% to $697.5 million. Although China/Hong Kong remained the largest destination for U.S. pork in November, momentum continued to build in other markets including Japan, Mexico and Central America.
January-November pork exports set new annual records for both volume (2.72 million mt, up 14% from the previous year’s pace) and value ($7.03 billion, up 13%). Pork muscle cut exports also shattered previous annual records, increasing 18% year-over-year to 2.29 million mt, valued at $6.08 billion (up 15%).
Led by strong variety meat demand in Mexico, U.S. lamb exports reached 1,297 mt in November, up 4% from a year ago, valued at $1.5 million (down 32%). For January through November, lamb exports were up 29% year-over-year at 18,652 mt, but value slipped 8% to $21.9 million.
USMEF’s detailed summary of January-November red meat exports, including market-specific highlights, is available online.
For questions, please contact Joe Schuele or call 303-547-0030.
Submitted to the BARN by:
Joe Schuele
Vice President, Communications
U.S. Meat Export Federation
303-547-0030 (mobile)
