By Jamie Martin
This summer has been outstanding for U.S. meat exports, particularly beef and pork, which have seen significant rises in both value and volume.
Mexico's robust demand has propelled pork exports to potentially record-breaking heights, while beef finds strong markets in Japan and Taiwan. The U.S. Meat and Export Federation (USMEF) reported that beef exports in July alone neared record levels, signaling a resilient demand across various markets.
Mexico, a leading importer of U.S. pork, recorded its highest purchasing value ever at $244.5 million, a 29% increase from the previous year. This surge is part of a broader trend that saw U.S. pork exports reach $710.5 million in July, contributing to a year-to-date figure that could eclipse the previous year's total.
The strong performance in Mexico is mirrored in other regions like Central America and the Caribbean, despite slower activity in some Asian markets due to economic pressures.
Beef exports also performed exceptionally well, with Japan and Taiwan bolstering demand thanks to a boost from tourism. In July, U.S. beef reached a significant milestone, with exports valued at $910.9 million, marking a 12% increase from last year. This growth is supported by increased sales in Mexico, where beef purchases rose by 17% to $122.5 million, the highest in nearly four years.
Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the USMEF, remains optimistic about the meat export sector's outlook for the remainder of the year, despite previous challenges in Asian markets. With ongoing strong demand from key regions, the U.S. is poised to continue its leadership in the global meat export industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sstajic
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