Beef export growth continues in US
According to the US Meat Export Federation, US beef exports continued at a record pace in November, while pork exports trended lower year-on-year.
The pork market was impacted by trade wars, dropping year-on-year in terms of both volume and value.
“2018 was truly a remarkable year for US beef exports, which shattered previous records in both volume and value and reached new heights in several of our top markets,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “In the first half of the year, pork exports were also on a very positive trajectory but unfortunately US pork has been heavily targeted for retaliation. We remain hopeful that these disputes can be resolved soon, so that US pork can get back on a level playing field with its competitors.”
Mexico
November pork exports to leading volume market Mexico were lower year-on-year for the sixth consecutive month (61,344 mt, down 14%) while value fell 30% to $97.1m.
“The good news is that the US continues to export strong quantities of hams, picnics and other pork cuts to Mexico,” Halstrom said. “The bad news is that instead of generating positive returns for the US industry, 20% of these sales go directly into the Mexican Treasury in the form of tariffs. This is why it is critical that the dispute over steel and aluminum tariffs be resolved as soon as possible.”
Lamb growth
November exports of US lamb were the largest of 2018 in both volume (1,387 mt, up 167% year-over-year) and value ($2.4m, up 39%). Most of this increase was attributed to strong variety meat demand in Mexico. However, muscle cut exports posted solid gains in the Caribbean, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan and the Philippines as well.
