International demand for U.S. beef and pork rose during May.
The latest trade data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) show continued strength in international demand for U.S. agricultural products, with beef and pork exports particularly encouraging during May, according to Drovers Cattle Network.
Beef exports in May increased 5 percent in volume and 15 percent in value compared to a year ago. Hong Kong, Mexico and Korea have increased their imports of U.S. beef, while Japan has been steady. Beef export value per head of fed slaughter set a new record for May, up $74.72 from a year ago.
Pork exports had increases in May. Volume is up 4 percent from a year ago and value climbed 19 percent from a year ago. For January through May, pork exports volume increased 9 percent, with value 15 percent over last year’s totals.