Beef exports hit near 2-year high, pork slows in June

June sees beef exports soar; pork faces minor setbacks

June brought promising news for U.S. beef exporters, with export values reaching the highest in nearly two years, totaling $938.3 million.

Despite a slight decrease in quantity, the quality of exports, particularly to Japan, Taiwan, and Canada, underscored robust international demand.

Notably, beef shipments to Japan and Taiwan were among the highest recorded, and Canadian exports were the most significant in nearly a decade.

Conversely, pork exports in June experienced a decline, totaling 224,392 metric tons, marking the lowest figure since the previous September.

Despite this, pork continued to show strength in the first half of the year, with an overall value increase, especially in markets like Korea, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, highlighted the resilience and strategic victories in key markets. "June beef exports performed very well in Japan, which was great to see given the significant headwinds U.S. beef has faced there this year," Halstrom remarked. He also noted that, while June saw a slowdown in pork exports to some regions, other areas like Korea and Central America recorded impressive gains.

The June figures for both beef and pork exports reflect the dynamic nature of the U.S. meat export industry, with ongoing opportunities and challenges across different markets.