“The export markets are a critical profit center for the industry at a time when the industry is challenged by high input costs and, on the beef side, a historically low herd size,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO.

“2012 saw record highs for per-head export values for both pork and beef at a time when those returns were sorely needed by producers.”

Pork exports set both volume and value records last year, reaching 2.26 million metric tons – up a fraction from the record set in 2011 – valued at $6.3 billion, a 3.5 percent increase over the prior year’s record.

The per-head export value of U.S. pork exports set another record in 2012, reaching $55.87, up 1 percent from 2011. For the year, exports accounted for 27 percent of total pork production and 23.4 percent of pork muscle cut production versus 27.5 percent and 23 percent, respectively, in 2011.

The value of beef exports for the year rose 2 percent to a record-high $5.51 billion on 12 percent lower volumes (1.13 million mt).

Advertisement

The per-head export value for beef hit $216.73, a $10.36 increase over 2011. Contributing to that was a new monthly record value of $242.65 set in December.

For the year, U.S. beef exports accounted for 12.7 percent of total beef production and 9.8 percent of muscle cut production. This compares to 14.2 percent and 11 percent, respectively, in 2011.

Records set in 2012

In addition to the new standards noted above, one-year export records were set in several key export markets:

Pork

  • Mexico: 600,949 mt (12 percent increase) valued at $1.126 billion (8 percent increase)
  • Canada: 235,604 mt (14 percent increase) valued at $855.7 million (16 percent increase)
  • Central/South America: 90,897 mt (26 percent increase) valued at $227.9 million (22 percent increase)
  • Australia/New Zealand: 76,801 mt (9 percent increase) valued at $236.1 million (5 percent increase)

Beef

  • Russia: 80,408 mt (10 percent increase) valued at $307.5 million (20 percent increase)
  • Hong Kong: 65,033 mt (28 percent increase) valued at $339.5 million (43 percent increase)
  • Central/South America: 33,891 mt (31 percent increase) valued at $134.1 million (57 percent increase)
  • Canada: $1.177 billion (14 value increase even though volume dipped 6 percent to 180,015 mt)

Top 5 value export markets for 2012

Pork

  • Japan – $1.986 billion
  • Mexico – $1.126 billion
  • China/Hong Kong – $886.2 million
  • Canada – $855.7 million
  • South Korea – $421.1 million

Beef

  • Canada – $1.177 billion
  • Japan – $1.03 billion (surpassing the $1 billion mark for the first time since 2003)
  • Mexico – $822.4 million
  • South Korea – $582 million
  • Hong Kong – $339.5 million

2013 outlook

Looking ahead, the outlook for 2013 appears positive for both the U.S. beef and pork industries, according to Seng.

“There are many factors that go into projecting 12 months into the future, but as we continue to focus our efforts on markets that offer the greatest potential for growth, we are optimistic that 2013 will give us the opportunity to maintain the momentum we have seen in pork exports while rebounding in beef,” he said.

The recent opening of Japan to U.S. beef under 30 months of age contributes to a projected growth in beef exports of 4 percent in volume (to 1.17 million mt) valued at more than $6 billion.

Click here to read more about Japan's protocol decision.

That total may be tempered if issues with exports to Russia are not resolved.

The projection for pork calls for steady to slight growth, with exports likely to still exceed 2.2 million mt valued at more than $6 billion with key risk factors including Russia and domestic production in China.

On the bullish side, U.S. pork is an extremely versatile, high quality protein at a great value that will gain market share in key export markets. Continued growth to top volume market Mexico is also expected to boost the bottom line.

Other facts of note

December pork exports were 186,135 mt, down 14 percent in volume and 11 percent in value at $515.9 million versus the high year-ago levels. December export volume was still larger year-over-year to Canada, Central/South America and Australia.

December beef exports were down 16 percent versus the prior year at 90,789 mt while value was down just 3 percent at $461.2 million. Export gains were seen for the month in Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong, Philippines and Central/South America.

2012 lamb exports

2012 was a challenging year for the global lamb industry, including leaders New Zealand and Australia, and it was no different in the U.S.

For the year, U.S. lamb exports dipped 29 percent in volume and 13 percent in value versus 2011’s record high. However, exports to the top two markets, Mexico and Canada, both registered increases in value, offering promise for the year ahead.

Another key factor in reversing the recent decline in lamb exports will be gaining access to markets such as Japan, Russia, Taiwan, Korea and the European Union. These are critical destinations in which a resumption of trade could present promising opportunities for U.S. lamb, especially in the foodservice sector. USMEF is working with trade officials to facilitate that.

Click here to view complete export results for pork, beef and lamb.

Notes:
Export statistics refer to both muscle cuts and variety meat unless otherwise noted
One metric ton (mt) = 2,204.622 pounds  end mark

—From USMEF news release