U.S. Red Meat Exports Surge in September with Pork on Track for Record Year
September brought a surge in U.S. pork and beef exports, according to USDA data analyzed by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The trend is especially promising for pork, which is poised to break annual records for both volume and value in 2024.
Pork Exports Reach New Heights
U.S. pork exports totaled 238,047 metric tons in September, up 8% from the previous year, with export value rising 6% to $685.1 million. From January through September, pork exports were 5% ahead of last year, totaling 2.23 million metric tons, with value increasing by 7% to $6.36 billion.
“U.S. pork’s September performance was especially encouraging because growth was mainly driven by small and medium-sized markets in Central America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom.
Exports to Colombia continue to “reach new heights,” while shipments to Mexico remain robust and exports to Japan have surpassed last year’s levels. Halstrom emphasized that “broad-based growth reflects the U.S. industry’s strong commitment to market diversification.”
The expansion is particularly evident in markets like Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and several Caribbean countries. Exports to South Korea, Oceania, and the ASEAN region have also seen notable increases, further diversifying the reach of U.S. pork products.
Beef Exports Also on the Rise
U.S. beef exports climbed to 103,980 metric tons in September, a 5% year-over-year increase, with value up 6% to $843.8 million. Although the overall volume from January to September dipped by 2%, the export value saw a 5% boost to $7.82 billion.
Demand for U.S. beef is rising across Asian markets, with particular strength in Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, fueled by Asia’s tourism rebound.
“We also saw impressive growth in the Philippines and Indonesia, which are markets where we see a lot of untapped growth potential,” Halstrom noted.
A Promising Year for U.S. Meat Exports
The strong performance of U.S. red meat exports, especially in diverse international markets, highlights the resilience and adaptability of the industry.
As pork heads for a potential record-breaking year and beef demand continues to grow, U.S. meat exporters are well-positioned to meet increasing global demand.
Curious about the rise in U.S. pork and beef exports? Visit our homepage for insights into global meat trade trends and data.
