Exports of U.S. beef trended higher than a year ago in January, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were slightly below last January’s large totals, despite another outstanding performance in Mexico and Central America.
U.S. beef demand remains resilient in key markets
January beef exports reached 102,840 metric tons, up 3% year over year, while value increased 5% to $804.6 million. Growth was driven in part by larger exports to China and Canada, while exports to South Korea were steady in volume but higher in value. Strong value increases were also achieved in other key markets, including Taiwan, the Caribbean, Central America and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Exports of beef variety meat were the largest in nearly two years, led by larger shipments to Mexico, Egypt, Canada and China/Hong Kong.
January beef exports to leading value market Korea were steady with last year at 18,801 mt, while value climbed 7% to $182.4 million. Although January shipments were below the levels achieved in the fourth quarter of 2024, Korea’s demand for U.S. beef has held up well despite ongoing economic uncertainty stemming from the impeachment of embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol, with the Korean won recently trading at its lowest levels versus the U.S. dollar since 2009.