What’s Ahead for U.S. Meat Exports in 2025?
The U.S. meat export industry had a robust performance in 2024, with record pork exports and one of the highest beef export values on record.
Looking to 2025, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), led by President and CEO Dan Halstrom, is focused on sustaining growth, preserving well-established markets, and cultivating new global trade avenues.
Tariff Tensions: What’s at Stake?
Potential shifts in U.S. trade policy, especially former President Trump’s proposed tariffs on incoming goods, bring uncertainty. Halstrom notes that retaliatory tariffs are a strong likelihood, with agriculture, including meat exports, likely to feel the impact.
“Agriculture is always a significant target in trade disputes,” Halstrom cautions, emphasizing that such policies could tighten global demand for U.S. pork and beef exports, potentially affecting producers and consumers alike.
Strong Prospects for Pork and Beef Exports
Even amidst these concerns, Halstrom remains optimistic about pork exports in 2025, forecasting continued growth and possibly another record year.
For beef, the USMEF plans to focus on maintaining a balance between value and quantity, prioritizing high-quality cuts that command premium pricing.
By targeting markets with strong demand for specific cuts, the U.S. can maximize “whole-carcass value,” ensuring that each part of the animal meets regional preferences.
New Market Exploration: Catering to Global Tastes
USMEF is eyeing opportunities to tap into less developed meat markets where cultural preferences create demand for unique cuts and flavors.
This approach enables the U.S. to diversify its customer base, mitigate risks associated with tariffs, and adapt to evolving consumer interests in other countries.
Catch the full interview with Halstrom on the Iowa Ag Matters program to hear more on the strategies and challenges facing U.S. meat exports in 2025.
Halstrom’s insights underscore both the potential and the complexities of competing in a global market shaped by policy shifts and evolving consumer trends.
Want to know how tariffs could impact U.S. pork and beef exports? Check out our homepage for the latest on trade challenges and market strategies.
