August beef exports overcame a 3 percent decline in volume to 102,456 metric tons (mt) to set a new monthly value record of $655.2 million – up 16 percent from a year ago. For January through August, beef exports were up 3 percent in volume (790,208 mt) and 13 percent in value ($4.55 billion) compared to the same period last year.

Despite supply crunch, beef export value races to new records
August fed beef slaughter was down 10 percent year-over-year, making the beef export value record even more noteworthy. Export value per head of fed slaughter reached $326.94, up 29 percent from a year ago and shattering the previous record ($299.14) set in June.

For January through August, per-head export value was $279.48 – up 15 percent from the same period last year. Exports equated to 14 percent of total beef production and 11 percent for muscle cuts only – up from 13 percent and 10 percent, respectively, last year.

“International buyers are certainly concerned about supplies, and whether we will be able to meet the growing demand for U.S. beef,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng.

“But price and supply concerns notwithstanding, their enthusiasm for U.S. beef has never been higher. We continue to see an outstanding response to our marketing campaigns and educational seminars informing buyers about the unique attributes of U.S. beef.”

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January through August beef export highlights include:

  • Exports to Hong Kong were up 30 percent in volume (93,668 mt) and 50 percent in value ($667.8 million). After slowing in July, export value rebounded in August to $103.3 million (up 32 percent).
  • Exports to Korea continue to perform extremely well, with volume up 14 percent to 76,144 mt, valued at $522.1 million (up 44 percent).
  • A strong summer performance put exports to Taiwan on a record pace, with volume totaling 22,755 (up 11 percent) and value up 16 percent to $190.6 million.
  • Exports to Mexico slowed slightly in August but remain strong for the year, totaling 155,573 mt valued at $742 million. These totals are up 19 percent and 33 percent, respectively – but as USMEF has previously noted, data from early 2013 may have understated last year’s exports.
  • Exports to leading market Japan were down 3 percent in volume (161,098 mt) but increased 2 percent in value to $1.01 billion. The U.S. continued to gain market share, with Japan importing less beef from other suppliers.

Complete January through August export totals for U.S. beef, pork and lamb are available from USMEF’s statistics webpage.  end mark

—From U.S. Meat Export Federation news release