Beef, Pork Exports Increase in Volume, Value

DENVERJune was a good month for beef and pork exports as they increased in volume and value in comparison to 2012. Lamb exports also continued their steady increase.

Pork exports in June increased 2.4% in volume to 169,098 metric tons while increasing in value to $469.7 million. Beef exports increased 8% in volume to 101,720 metric tons and 21% in value to $562.3 million. Lamb exports also continued to grow, jumping 29% in volume to 1,423 metric tons and nearly 4% in value to $2.5 million.

There is no question that challenges persist, such as the continued closure of the Russian market, but we are seeing positive signs from key markets, including Japan and Mexico, that are vital trading partners for our industry," said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO.

Another positive growth metric in June was the per-head export value recorded for both beef and pork. Beef export value was a record $260.21 per head of fed slaughter, a $56.31 increase over June of 2012. For pork, the per-head export value was $57.27 in June versus $54.78 last year.

Top performing beef export markets in Juneby volume were Japan (+66%), Hong Kong (+156%), Mexico (+14%), Taiwan (+400%) and Central/South America (+62%; growth mainly to Peru and Chile). The absence of exports to Russia continues to be felt, as the 5,903 metric tons of beef exported there last June made it the No. 6 market for U.S. beef.

We are focused on the markets where we can take advantage of opportunities, such as expanded access for U.S. beef in Japan, the rebound in Taiwan and continued growth of the Hong Kong and Central/South America markets," said Seng. At the same time, we continue relationship-building in Russia for when that market reopens, and stand ready to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality beef in China when access can be restored for the first time since 2003."

There was a 20% pork export increase to Mexico, pushing the first-half total nearly even with last years record pace. Other top pork export growth markets in Juneby volumewere Japan (+4%), China/Hong Kong (+15%), Central/South America (+54%; mainly to Colombia, Honduras and Chile), the ASEAN (+26%; mainly to the Philippines), Caribbean (+36%; mainly to the Dominican Republic) and Taiwan (+67%).

The rebound in Mexico is particularly gratifying," said Seng. An abundance of domestic pork in Mexico affected demand in the first quarter and the Russia closure had a negative impact on the prices paid for hams and other cuts sold to processors in Mexico. But we are focusing on this market with a pork imaging campaign that is getting positive reviews from importers and consumers alike."

Strong buying from Mexico likely helped propel heavy hams to over 90 cents per pound by early June, a 22 % increase compared to last years prices. Having access to Russia will become increasingly critical as we move into seasonally larger pork production.
For the year, U.S. beef exports are down 1% in volume at 542,560 metric tons but 6% higher in value at $2.83 billion. Total beef exports (muscle cuts plus variety meat) accounted for 13.6% of U.S. beef production in June, up from 12% last year. For the year they account for 12.4% of production, about the same as last year.

June beef muscle cut exports accounted for 11% of production, increase of 1% from last year. For the first half of the year, exports accounted for 9.6% of beef muscle cut production, about the same as last year.

Pork exports for the first half of 2013 are down 7% in volume and value to 1.05 million metric tons valued at $2.94 billion. Total pork exports (muscle cuts plus variety meat) accounted for 28% of total U.S. pork production in June versus 26% last year. For the year they equate to 26% of production versus 28% in 2012.

June pork muscle cut exports accounted for 24% of production (up from 23% in June 2012). For the first half, exports accounted for 21.7% of muscle cut production, down from 24% last year.

Lamb exports continue to be led by Mexico and Canada. For the year, total lamb exports are up 17% in volume to 7,263 metric tons valued at $15.7 million, a 25% jump.

Although the increase of value and volume is positive, the retail value of beef is hitting an all-time high and is predicted to set new records.