July beef exports fell 15 percent in volume to 101,799 metric tons (mt), although this was in comparison to large totals in July 2013. July export value was steady at $621.7 million. For January through July, beef exports were still 4 percent higher in volume (687,752 mt) and remained on a record pace in value ($3.89 billion, up 13 percent).

U.S. beef performing well in key Asian markets
January through July beef exports equated to 14 percent of total production and 11 percent for muscle cuts only (these ratios were up slightly from a year ago). Export value per head of fed slaughter was $298.56 in July – down slightly from the June record but still up more than $25 year-over-year. For January through July, export value per head was $272.70, up $31.25.

“Demand for U.S. beef in Asian markets has continued to strengthen this year, adding further value to cuts that are popular there and underutilized domestically,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “With our limited supplies, competition for these cuts among Asian buyers contributes greatly to U.S. cattle prices. USMEF continues to work with our industry partners to educate the trade about alternative cuts and merchandising ideas, so that we can deliver value to our Asian customers even in these times of historically tight supplies.”

January through July highlights for U.S. beef included:

  • Exports to South Korea totaled 65,792 mt (up 12 percent) valued at $445.4 million (up 41 percent) as demand for U.S. beef strengthened across all sectors and U.S. beef gained market share.
  • Despite slumping in July, exports to Hong Kong reached 81,372 mt valued at $564.6 million, up 35 percent and 53 percent, respectively.
  • While export volume to Japan was moderately lower, it remained the leading destination for U.S. beef exports in both volume (136,884 mt, down 4 percent) and value ($860.8 million, up 1 percent). Japan has been a difficult market for other suppliers this year, importing less beef from all other main exporters while U.S. beef continued to gain market share.
  • July exports to Taiwan increased 83 percent in volume (3,310 mt) and nearly doubled in value ($29.4 million, up 96 percent), pushing year-to-date totals to 19,437 mt (up 11 percent) valued at $162.2 million (up 16 percent).
  • Though beef export volume to Mexico slowed modestly in July, export value for the month still reached $94.6 million (up 4 percent). For January through July, exports to Mexico were up 23 percent in volume (136,200 mt) and 36 percent in value ($640.5 million). USMEF is concerned, however, about possible export data issues in the first half of 2013, which means that these year-over-year increases for Mexico could be overstated.

For complete export totals for U.S. red meat, visit the USMEF statistics webpage.  end mark

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—From U.S. Meat Export Federation news release