LUBBOCK, TX – U.S. pork exports posted a strong rebound in June, climbing 7% year-over-year to 239,304 metric tons, while export value rose 3.5% to $682.6 million. Key drivers included surging demand from Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. Exports to Mexico hit 102,750 mt, a 24% increase, with value climbing 33% to $249.4 million. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) credited improved trade relations with China, despite continued 57% tariffs, for a modest recovery in pork variety meat shipments to that market.
Conversely, U.S. beef exports dropped to their lowest volume since June 2020. June beef exports totaled 93,928 mt, down 15% from last year, while value declined 18% to $769 million. The sharp drop is largely attributed to China’s failure to renew plant registrations, effectively locking out most U.S. suppliers. USMEF estimates the lost access is costing the U.S. beef industry up to $165 per head or $4 billion annually.
Despite challenges, beef exports to South Korea held steady, while Central America and Mexico posted gains. However, beef exports to Japan and China fell significantly, with June shipments to China plummeting 77% in volume and 80% in value.
USMEF emphasized the importance of restoring access to China and expanding trade in Southeast Asia to offset current market losses.