U.S. beef exports rose to a record in 2013, pork sales fell

U.S. beef exports rose nearly 13 percent last year to a record $6.157 billion, while overseas pork sales fell, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Led by strong sales to Japan, which were up 54 percent in volume (234,615 tons) and 35 percent ($1.389 billion) in value, beef sales increased to 1.17 million metric tons. Beef exports to Hong Kong set a new annual record, with volume doubling to 130,017 tons and value rising 142 percent to $823.3 million. Exports to Central and South America also were the highest on record at 42,104 tons valued at $156.4 million.

Pork exports totaled $6.05 billion, exceeding $6 billion for the third consecutive year, but declined 5 percent in volume and 4 percent in value from 2012’s record pace. Pork sales to Japan fell 7 percent in volume to 424,858 tons and 5 percent in value to $1.89 billion.