New US Pork Loin Products Launched in South Korea’s Institutional Sector

USMEF partners with institutional meal service provider on product development and promotional launch for six branded U.S. pork loin products.

Pork industry efforts to develop opportunities for the loin are moving forward in Korea’s institutional sector, which provides meals to an estimated 25% of Koreans each day. USMEF partnered with Korea’s largest foodservice and catering company, Samsung Welstory, to develop and launch six U.S. pork loin products for institutional buyers under “Welclassic,” its new private brand for donkatsu products. This marks the first launch of U.S. pork products under...

Nebraska Cattle Producers Get New Direct Access to Overseas Markets

Nebraska cattle producers are expanding their international reach through a new direct-sourcing initiative with Coupang, Inc., a U.S. technology and Fortune 150 retail company. Created in partnership with Omaha-based Nebraska Beef Ltd., the initiative marks Coupang’s first direct-sourcing program for U.S. beef, creating an immediate export pathway for premium Nebraska beef to South Korea — the world’s top market for U.S. meat exports.

“Coupang is proud to launch our first direct-sourcing program for U.S. beef right here in Nebraska,” said Coupang Chief Global Affairs Officer Robert Porter. “Nebraska ranchers produce world-class beef, and Coupang’s direct-sourcing...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

Australia’s Food and Wine Group Returns to South Korea

The Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group will make its first return visit later this month when it heads to South Korea for its eighth Taste the Wonders of Australia campaign.

The Collaboration Group, which includes Meat and Livestock Australia, along with Hort Innovation, Dairy Australia, Wine Australia and Seafood Industry Australia, aims to deepen commercial relationships with key partners in trade, retail and foodservice, reinforcing South Korea as a priority export destination for Australia’s premium food and beverages.

South Korea is one of Australia’s most significant trade partners, with a population of more than 50 million and dense urban centres...

Vietnam’s THACO, U.S. Fresh Del Monte Sign 10-year Banana Supply Deal

U.S. food group Fresh Del Monte has signed a 10-year banana supply deal with the Vietnamese firm Truong Hai Group Corporation (THACO), the companies announced.

Fresh Del Monte has agreed to buy 71,500 tons of bananas in 2026, or around 15% of THACO’s expected output, the company said. Under the agreement, the traded volume would rise over the 10-year term.

Fresh Del Monte plans to export THACO Bananas to Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and later the Middle East, it said...