“But our products continue to command an excellent price in the international markets and provide substantial returns to U.S. producers, which is critically important at a time when they face extremely high production costs.”

September pork exports reached 183,853 metric tons (mt), slightly exceeding last year’s total. Though export value declined 6 percent compared to last year to $505 million, it was about 2 percent higher than the August value of $495.5 million.

For January through September, pork exports were up 2 percent in volume at 1.657 million metric tons and up 6 percent in value to $4.6 billion.

Exports equated to 23.6 percent of muscle cut production and 27 percent when including both muscle cuts and variety meat (compared to last year’s ratios of 22.8 percent and 27 percent). Export value equated to $56.16 per head slaughtered, 4.5 percent above the per-head average established during the same period last year.

With fewer production days this year, September beef production declined 9 percent and exports fell 17 percent in volume to 90,538 mt. September export value dropped 4 percent to $442.8 million, but was significantly higher on a per-head-of-fed-slaughter basis – increasing 7 percent to $227.65.

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Despite January-September beef export volume being down 12 percent to 850,439 mt, export value totaled $4.1 billion. This was 2 percent above last year’s record pace and already exceeded the 2010 full calendar year total of $4.08 billion.

Exports equated to 9.8 percent of muscle cut production and 12.7 percent when including both muscle cuts and variety meat, compared to last year’s ratios of 11 percent and 14 percent. Export value averaged $213.63 per head of fed slaughter, up about 6 percent compared to the same period in 2011.

Beef exports to Japan remain red-hot
September beef exports to Japan were just 2 percent higher than last year in volume (12,487 mt), but surged nearly 25 percent in value to $86.6 million. This was consistent with the January-September performance in which exports were steady in volume (121,207 mt) but 23 percent higher in value ($806.1 million).

Japan now ranks second in export value to Canada, where January-September exports were down 13 percent in volume (125,625 mt) but still achieved a 5 percent increase in value ($829.7 million).

Mexico remains the leading volume market for U.S. beef, but exports to Mexico have struggled in 2012, – reflecting a weak peso and sluggish economy. Through September, exports to Mexico were 21 percent lower than a year ago in volume (151,767 mt) and 12 percent lower in value ($642.6 million).

With an expanded tariff-rate quota helping boost demand, beef exports to Russia are on pace for another record year. January-September exports were up 8 percent in volume (61,923 mt) and 24 percent in value ($242 million) over the same period last year.

Though U.S. beef still lacks access to mainland China, export growth to Hong Kong has made the region a 2012 bright spot. Exports to Hong Kong were up 14 percent in volume through September at 43,038 mt, and increased 32 percent in value to $224 million.

Led by remarkable growth in Chile and solid performances in Peru and Guatemala, January-September exports to Central and South America climbed 36 percent in volume (26,186 mt) and were 73 percent higher in value ($99.2 million). In fact, exports to the region have already exceeded last year’s full calendar year records of 25,823 mt and $85.5 million. 

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