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US Pork Exports Steady in September with Value Record for Mexico; Beef Exports Lowest Since Mid-2020
USDA has released red meat export data for September, which was delayed due to the recent government shutdown. As compiled by USMEF, September data showed a fairly steady performance for U.S. pork exports, matching year-ago value while down slightly in volume. But September beef exports were the lowest in more than five years, with shipments to China effectively halted and exports to other Asian markets also trending lower year-over-year.
“We are encouraged by the robust and resilient global demand for U.S. pork – especially in Mexico, but also in a broad range of international...
Yum China Announces $460 Million Share Buyback in US and Hong Kong
Yum China Holdings entered into share repurchase agreements in the US and Hong Kong for a total repurchase amount of approximately $460 million for the first half of 2026, commencing on January 12, 2026. The agreement includes approximately US$350 million under Rule 10b5-1 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in the US and approximately HK$880 million for a similar program in Hong Kong.
The share repurchase program agreements serve as a key element in...
MEATZY Launches Subscription Service for Premium Meat and Seafood Delivery
MEATZY, an innovative subscription service delivering high-quality meat directly to customers' doors, has officially launched.
Developed by industry veterans with experience in supplying proteins to over 100 luxury resorts and leading chefs, MEATZY promises an exceptional culinary experience with premium beef, chicken, pork, and seafood at consistent prices.
"Protein prices keep climbing, and families are paying more for meat that's often lower quality than they realize," said the co-founder, Jorge Arevalo. "We built MEATZY to give people access to chef-grade protein...
The Retail Rundown: A Preview of Christmas Favorites
Few protein items embody the year-end holiday spirit quite like the classic Christmas ham and the standing rib roast. These iconic centerpiece proteins often dominate holiday tables, shaping both wholesale market trends and retail advertising strategies.
This year, the wholesale beef rib market kicked off its seasonal rise in late July, climbing 32% between July 28 and Thanksgiving week. Since then, the market has shifted into typical year-end procurement mode with a generally steady undertone, and holiday buying is expected to wrap soon...
The Retail Rundown: Holiday Shopping Lifts Foodservice and Grocery Demand
December is when most consumers fully embrace the holiday spirit—and start spending accordingly.
This year's holiday spending is off to a strong start, with record shopper turnout and a surge in online activity. Adobe Analytics reports that total online sales from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday amounted to $44.2 billion, up nearly 8% from last year.
Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation reports that a record 202.9 million people shopped over the Thanksgiving weekend, up from 197 million last year. Supermarkets were the most popular destination at 47%, followed closely by online shopping at 45%...
ANALYSIS: EU Pork Exports Ticked Up During September 2025
EU pork exports increased marginally during September, as decreased EU price levels supported EU exporters' competitiveness on the global market. In September, exports of fresh and frozen pork meat, along with total pork exports, including by-products and processed pork, increased compared to August.
Exports of fresh and frozen pork meat grew strongly by 6.6% month-over-month (MOM) to 152,539 mt, while the overall volume of pork exports increased by 1.0% m-o-m in September to a total of 334,338 mt. Additionally, elevated price levels for alternative proteins such as beef and poultry supported the demand for pork meat on the global markets...
ANALYSIS: Fall Pork Supply Review - Slaughter Strength and Cutout Reduction
The weekly carcass cutout shows a clear and uninterrupted decline beginning in early September and extending through Friday’s close on 11/21/25, with values retracing steadily from a late-summer rally, which saw the cutout at 3-year highs, marking the seasonal decline for 2025 commencing much later than in previous years. Since the first week of September, the downturn has been gradual but persistent, shaped by fully adequate product availability, softer domestic demand, and a measured export pull that has not generated the counter-seasonal lift typically observed during this timeframe...
PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 37 - Thanksgiving Dinner Index Up 28% in 2025
Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.
On today's episode, we dive into Expana's 2025 Thanksgiving Dinner Index. 2025 has been an extraordinary year. When we look back, we’ve seen unprecedented geopolitical events unfold, tariffs, trade agreements, inflation and other economic uncertainties. How has this impacted Thanksgiving staples? Listen now!
Pork Exports Remain Strong in August; Beef Decline Continues; Lamb Exports Trend Higher
USDA has released August red meat export data, which was delayed due to the lengthy government shutdown. As compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), August data showed a relatively strong performance for U.S. pork exports and an uptick in shipments of U.S. lamb cuts. But beef exports were sharply lower than a year ago, impacted heavily by an impasse with China that has effectively locked U.S. beef out of the world’s largest import market.
August pork exports totaled 236,311 metric tons (mt), down 1% from a year ago, valued at $685.9 million (down 2%)....
AHDB - Cautious Global Pork Market Outlook for 2026
Rabobank’s latest pork report presents a cautious global pork market outlook heading into 2026. Despite easing feed costs due to record North American crop harvests and favourable planting conditions in South America, growth remains constrained by the influence of trade tensions, disease risks, and regulatory challenges. Producers are prioritising better productivity, biosecurity, and heavier carcass weights to offset limited herd expansion.
Regional Highlights
Europe (EU-27 + UK)
European pork production increased by 3.5% year-on-year (YOY) in July 2025, led by Spain (+7%) and Poland (+5%). Exports rose 3% YOY, supported by the recent US-China trade tensions. However...
The Retail Rundown: Cheaper Turkeys Hit Shelves Despite Wholesale Price Surge
This Thanksgiving, holiday shoppers might spot some relief: retail turkey prices have eased, even as wholesale values climb toward near-record highs.
Ongoing challenges, such as persistent bird flu outbreaks and relatively low hatch rates, have limited production all year, leaving supplies exceptionally thin ahead of the holiday.
While retailers secure turkeys well in advance to build cold-storage inventories, frozen whole-bird stocks in 2025 remain near seasonal record lows, leaving little supply cushion...
Andrews Meat Industries Acquires Prime Cut Meats to Boost Turnover and Expand Distribution
Andrews Meat Industries (AMI), part of the JBS Australia food group, has acquired Queensland-based foodservice wholesaler Prime Cut Meats (PCM). This strategic acquisition is expected to increase AMI's turnover to over $650 million in the coming financial year.
Both family-managed businesses, AMI and PCM, share a commitment to quality and service, making this partnership a natural fit. AMI CEO Peter Andrews expressed confidence that the acquisition will augment PCM's reputation and enhance distribution capabilities in Queensland...
ANALYSIS: US Hog Weights Edge Higher
Average live hog weights continue to firm seasonally, with the latest packer-sold average at 293.72 lb, up 1.4% month-over-month (MOM) and 1.8% higher year-over-year (YOY). Packer-owned weights averaged 285.63 lb, rising 0.6% MOM but sitting 0.3% lower YOY, reflecting a mostly steady to higher tone relative to last...
USMEF Elects New Officers, Examines Reciprocal Trade Opportunities and USMCA Review
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) concluded its Strategic Planning Conference Friday with election of its new officers. Chairing USMEF for the 2025-26 term is Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Agri Beef Company, based in Boise, Idaho.
Theiler recalled his early days with Agri Beef, when the company came to realize that it could not maximize the value of each head of livestock processed by selling product only in the Pacific Northwest, or even in the entire United States.
The Retail Rundown: A Season of Plenty, Except for Turkey
For retailers, this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be one of plenty. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects November and December sales to surpass $1 trillion for the first time, underscoring consumers’ continued spending power.
“American consumers may be cautious in sentiment, yet remain fundamentally strong and continue to drive U.S. economic activity,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
While foodservice outlets are poised to capture consumer traffic on hectic days, retail prepared foods and frozen entrées are well-positioned to compete for at-home dining occasions as shoppers seek convenient, time-saving meal solutions...
Premium Brands Reports Record Q3 Revenue of $2.0 Billion, Raises Full-Year Sales Guidance
Premium Brands, a leading specialty food manufacturer and distributor in the US and Canada, announced its third-quarter fiscal results, highlighting significant achievements.
The company reported a record third-quarter revenue of $2.0 billion, a 19.1% increase from the same period last year, driven by a 10.3% organic volume growth rate.
Strong performance was seen in its core US growth initiatives, with protein, sandwiches, and artisan baked goods posting a combined 24.3% organic volume growth rate. Including...
ANALYSIS: US Pork Ham Relative to Thanksgiving Turkey and Beef
US domestic bone-in ham values were above last year’s levels from late July through late October but have recently moved below 2024 levels in early November as more product became available on the spot market.
Bone-in hams continue to present a clear value story heading into Thanksgiving, with 23/27 lb trimmed selected hams at $0.89/lb running about 50% under 16 lb tom turkeys at $1.79/lb and far below beef items such as the 109E rib...
ANALYSIS: From Decline to Stabilization; US Pork Cutout and Primal Trends Through Late October
Between September 8, 2025 and October 20, 2025 the Expana US pork carcass cutout fell 11.9% and has flatlined since, moving only around 0.1% over the last several weeks, with very small week‑to‑week swings.
The belly primal led the earlier weakness, plunging roughly 26.6% into Oct 20 before staging a modest recovery of about 7.8% through the most recent close. Bellies remain 14.3% below the comparable week in 2024 but about 7.2% above the three‑year...
USMEF Statement on Progress in Trade Negotiations with China
The White House provided more details Nov. 1 on the measures agreed to in last week’s meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including progress on agricultural trade barriers imposed by China and suspension of port service fees that raise costs for U.S. exporters.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:
USMEF is encouraged by the progress being made in trade negotiations with China, and we appreciate the Trump administration’s emphasis on restoring market access for U.S. agricultural exports. If China follows through on its commitment to...
Senegal Plans New Pig Feed Factory in Ziguinchor
Senegal plans to launch a new feed factory in Ziguinchor, a main pig farming region in the country, near the Guinea-Bissau border.
The project will be implemented through the National Integrated Livestock Development Program (PNDIES), Senegal's Agriculture Ministry said, according to Senegalese Press Agency (APS).
Program coordinator Dr. Dame Sow said the new facility aims to improve feed access for farmers and will help boost local pig production.
“This modern infrastructure will support a sector that sustains hundreds of families in the region,” Sow said.
ANALYSIS: From the Grill to Checkout, US Tenderloin Market Performance & Retail Dynamics 2025
Tenderloin demand has remained resilient in 2025, with promotional activity keeping movement elevated. Seasonal buying patterns are intact, with peak promotional lift observed in late May and August as consumers transitioned into core grilling holidays. Price elasticity remains evident, as a roughly 40-cent spread between discounted and full-price offerings continues to incentivize retail movement.
According to Circana retail data, year-to-date (YTD) national discounted tenderloin prices have averaged just under $3.90 per pound, compared with roughly $4.30 per pound for non-promotional...
Hormel Shakes Up Leadership In Recent Announcements
Set to coincide with the anniversary of his 30th year of service, PJ Conner, VP of Retail Sales at Hormel Foods, will retire this spring.
"PJ has been a tremendous asset to the organization throughout his three-decade long career,” said John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods. “He has consistently delivered results, inspired his teams, and helped shape our company’s strategy and culture. We are grateful for his insight, dedication, and focus on supporting our retail partners. His vision and commitment have left a lasting impact on Hormel Foods...
ANALYSIS: EU Pork Market Faces Bearish Trends and Price Declines in October
Eu pork prices continued to decrease throughout October, marking the fourth consecutive price decrease in a row. For reference, the Expana Bench Market Price for EU Pig deadweight grade S EXW EU (BW56) was last assessed at €1.72 /kg on October 28. This reflects prices decrease from 7.5% compared to the previous month and a decrease of 19.2% (€0.41/kg) compared to this year’s price peak of €2.13/kg report on July 1st.
Domestic demand across the EU has...
Expansion and Menu Innovations Lead in Foodservice this Week
This week, Expana gathered a collection of headline-worthy news, showcasing the vibrant and constantly evolving world of foodservice. From strategic expansions to culinary innovations, these stories underscore the dynamic nature of the industry and its unwavering momentum.
International Expansion on the Horizon for TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is gearing up for significant international growth, announcing two master franchise agreements today. In India, USR Hospitality (USR) will develop 51 new locations, while Mid-City Operadora Sapi de CV (MCO_Mexico) is set to open 50 new outlets in...
The Retail Rundown: Holiday Rush Builds Amid Tight Turkey Supplies
As November approaches, the holiday retail rush is underway, and all eyes are on the season’s centerpiece: turkey. Tight supplies and near-record wholesale prices have shaped this year’s turkey market, stirring concerns about Thanksgiving availability.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, has intensified supply pressures, with cold storage inventories at near historic lows. Many processors are reporting major production shortages heading into the holiday season as the number of turkeys harvested year-to-date hovers at an all-time low, according to Expana's market reporters...
ANALYSIS: Colombia Emerges as a Fast-Growing Market for US Pork
Colombia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing Latin American markets for US pork. In 2024, total exports to Colombia reached nearly 275.6 million pounds, a 26% increase from 2023. Based on the latest USDA data through July 2025, year-to-date (YTD) pork export volumes to Colombia are up 16% versus the same period in 2024, extending a consistent growth trend over the past three years.
This momentum has been supported by stronger demand in Colombia, where the peso has appreciated roughly...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #32
Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #32."
This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text.
...
This week, the US administration has continued to pressure trading partners like India to curb imports of Russian oil as to sanction the country during its war with Ukraine, cited Expana...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #30
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #30."
On October 7, US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Carney met in the White House. The possibility a US-Canadian trade deal was a main topic of discussion...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29."
On September 29, the US placed 50% tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products, according to the US Presidential Action.
Also starting October 1, the US will be imposing 100%...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28."
On Tuesday in New York, US President Trump gave remarks to the United Nations General Assembly, via the White House live stream...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27."
US tariff revenue may be used to fund the nation’s farmers, reported Reuters about an interview between Agriculture Secretary Rollins and the Financial Times...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #26
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #26."
Despite 50% tariffs remaining on Brazil and India, the Indian Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump expressed positivity that the respective trade teams would reach a deal, according to their latest social media...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25."
In the States, a federal appeals court ruled that US President Trump’s use of global tariffs exceeded presidential authority, but they remain active until at least October 14, 2025...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #24
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #24."
On August 22, Canadian Prime Minister Carney dropped most retaliatory tariffs on US products, beginning September 1, reported Expana in an article that suggested the move may help soothe trade relations...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23."
This week, tariff news took a bit of a backseat to US President Trump’s dealings with Russian President Putin in Alaska—along with President Trump’s meeting with many European leaders...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22."
The timeline for tariff negotiations between the US and China trade teams has been extended for another 90 days—moving the deadline to November 10, according to a White House fact sheet...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21."
On August 6, US President Trump issued an executive order that imposes a new 25% additional ad valorem tariff on imports from India into the States, effective 21 days after the White House announcement...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #20
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #20."
As of July 27, the United States and the European Union reached a trade agreement: The US will charge a 15% tariff on all imports across-the-board from the coalition of countries...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #17
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #17."
This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text...
This week, reciprocal tariffs were re-announced in the form of letters from the US Trump administration to trading partners who could not reach a trade deal within the previously granted 90-day pause...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #10
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #10."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #6
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #5
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Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #4
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #4."
FEATURED STORIES
ANALYSIS: Weakness Across US Cage-Free Market Intensifies Ahead of Christmas
ANALYSIS: November Cattle on Feed Down 2% and Placements Down 10% in October from Year Ago Levels
ANALYSIS: US 2025 Vanishing 600K-Head Slaughter Weeks Signal Supply Crunch and Price Spike
ANALYSIS: US Breaking Stock Prices Slide to Two-Year Lows Amid Soft Demand, Rising Supplies
ANALYSIS: Turkey Prices Surge YOY on Supply Shortages; Breast Meat Up 295%