By Shelby Shank

Field Editor

November set records for U.S. pork exports, according to data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports reached a high in both volume and value, while November beef exports were below the large year-ago totals.

USMEF reported pork exports increased 3% in November from a year ago, reaching 245,663 metric tons (mt). Export value was also reported to have increased 10%, totaling $725.1 million. Volume and value of exports were reported the highest since May 2021.

Mexico and the Dominican Republic contributed to the record high in November, and shipments to Mexico topped $200 million for the second consecutive month. USMEF also noted exports trended higher year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, South Korea and the Philippines.

“I cannot say enough about the tremendous performance of the Mexican market, and its importance to the U.S. pork industry,” Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO, said. “U.S. pork faces heightened competition in Mexico, especially with the recent suspension of import duties. But U.S. industry efforts to educate the trade and consumers about the outstanding quality, consistency and value of U.S. pork continue to pay dividends and elevate overall demand.”

Dramatic growth was also reported in pork variety meat exports, up more than 25% year-over-year. Halstrom noted this is excellent news for the U.S. and reflects broad-based demand growth and an improved labor situation. Pork variety meats like stomachs, tongues, hearts and pork feet are common exports to China, Mexico, Japan and Central America.

November beef exports saw a decline of 6% in volume, totaling 115,777 mt. The export valued also decreased 20% to $846.6 million. However, beef export value from January to November grew 14% over the year to $10.9 billion and topping the 2021 record of $10.58 billion. The 11-month export volume was reported to be 1.36 million mt and up 3% from 2021.

“Similar to the previous month, November results for U.S. beef exports reflected severe headwinds in our large Asian markets,” Halstrom said. “Key currencies in the region were still slumping, which impacted the buying power of importers and consumers. COVID cases and lockdowns in China were also intensifying, prompting widespread protests and the eventual lifting of many restrictions. But the U.S. dollar mainly peaked in late October and early November, and global demand has remained relatively strong. Even with a high level of economic uncertainty, 2022 has been a fantastic year for U.S. beef exports and the outlook for the coming year remains positive.”

A detailed summary of the January-November export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available on the USMEF website.