August beef exports soar to new heights -

Despite slipping slightly from July in terms of volume, a strong August performance pushed beef exports 26 percent higher for the year in volume (857,680 metric tons) and 39 percent higher in value ($3.58 billion). August exports equated to 14 percent of total U.S. production with a value of $214.11 per head of fed slaughter. (This compared to just under 12 percent and $159.59 per head last year.) For the year, beef exports equated to 14.2 percent of production with a value of $200.75 per head.

Though down from the record pace established in July, beef exports to Canada remained very strong at 19,945 metric tons valued at $114.6 million. This was 44 percent higher in volume and 55 percent higher in value than in August 2010. For the first eight months of the year, Canada has been the leading value destination for U.S. beef at $709.7 million (up 54 percent from last year and already a new full-year record) and second only to Mexico in volume at 130,657 metric tons (up 33 percent).

Mexico was the volume pacesetter for U.S. beef at 169,963 metric tons and second in value at $646 million. These totals were up 6 percent and 24 percent over last year’s pace, respectively. August export value of $93.4 million was easily Mexico’s highest monthly total of the year.

The Middle East continued to shine as a region of tremendous growth for U.S. beef, with totals through August running 37 higher than last year in volume (113,229 metric tons) and 46 percent higher in value ($220.7 million). Egypt was the mainstay market in the region but growth was also strong in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar – markets aggressively targeted this year by USMEF.

Asian markets were also an excellent source of growth for U.S. beef exports, including Japan (up 38 percent in volume to 109,051 metric tons and 44 percent in value to $583.6 million), Korea (up 49 percent to 110,017 metric tons and 41 percent to $485.6 million), Hong Kong (up 66 percent to 33,827 metric tons and 98 percent to $151.2 million) and the Philippines (up 21 percent to 9,003 metric tons and 37 percent to $25.6 million). Taiwan was the exception to this trend, dropping 7 percent in volume (22,642 metric tons) and 6 percent in value ($123.1 million) due to regulatory changes that have created an uncertain business climate for importers.

The Central-South America region increased purchases of U.S. beef by 50 percent in volume (17,320 metric tons) and 66 percent in value ($49.8 million) over last year. Chile, Peru and Guatemala have been the primary centers of growth in the region, but exports should be further bolstered by free trade agreements with Panama and Colombia.

“We are very excited about the growth of U.S. beef exports, not only in traditionally strong markets but in emerging destinations as well,” Seng said. “Despite significant trade barriers in Asia, we continue to achieve outstanding success in most of our key markets. And even in Taiwan, where a large decline was predicted, the U.S. industry’s efforts with importers, distributors and retailers have helped U.S. beef maintain a strong presence. We have also targeted the hotel and restaurant sectors in growing tourist destinations such as the Middle East, Hong Kong and the Philippines, and those efforts are paying significant dividends.”