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%)....

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.

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...

USMEF Statement on USTR's Announcement of Trade Deals with Southeast Asian Countries

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced agreements on reciprocal trade with Malaysia and Cambodia and frameworks for agreements on reciprocal trade with Thailand and Vietnam.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

USMEF greatly appreciates USTR’s tireless efforts to address both tariff and non-tariff barriers that have kept the U.S. as a minor supplier of red meat to the ASEAN region. With the U.S. beef industry currently lacking access to China, improved access to Southeast Asia is desperately needed to provide...

US Beef, Pork Featured at Culinary Event in Trinidad and Tobago

U.S. beef and pork took center stage during a recent trade promotional event in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. USMEF partnered with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, the nation’s capital, for a meat cutting demonstration and tasting reception. Local chefs, restaurateurs and influencers enjoyed premium U.S. food and beverage products such as beef and pork, table grapes, wines, bourbons and whiskeys at the reception.

Kaylee Greiner, manager of retail and foodservice engagement for Texas Beef Council, joined USMEF Caribbean Representative Elizabeth Wunderlich and Latin America Representative Homero...

Strong July for Pork Exports; Another Slow Month for Beef

July exports of U.S. pork were slightly below last year but accounted for a larger share of production, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Market access obstacles continued to weigh heavily on exports of U.S. beef, with the vast majority of plants still ineligible to ship to China.

Pork exports totaled 238,922 metric tons (mt), down just 1% from a year ago, while value fell 4% to $680.9 million, largely reflecting the 10% decline in pork variety meat prices due to China’s tariffs...

Latin American Buyers Study US Processing and Product Innovations

USMEF led a team of Latin American importers, distributors and processors to Colorado for a symposium about U.S. meat industry innovations in food safety, processing, packaging and value-added production. The team included 19 buyers from 10 countries ‒ current customers of U.S. red meat ‒ and was accompanied by USMEF representatives from those markets. USMEF’s Denver office coordinated with Colorado State University (CSU) professors on the design and implementation of the Global Innovation Symposium.

“We brought commercial partners to CSU to learn from the technical expertise available...

Product Showcase Connects US Meat Exporters with Buyers from Across Latin America

Ag industry leaders also meet buyers, learn about the cuts and variety meat items in demand in Latin America and take a retail tour in Guatemala City.

USMEF conducted another highly successful Latin American Product Showcase, connecting U.S. red meat exporters with dozens of prospective buyers from Central and South America. Held July 30-31 in Guatemala City, the 13th edition of the showcase featured 67 exhibitors and representatives from more than 80 USMEF member companies. With prospective buyers participating from 18 countries...

As China Obstacles Persist, Promotions Move More U.S. Beef Short Plate in Korea

International demand is critical for U.S. beef short plate, about 95% of which is exported. Major destinations include Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan, where short plate is typically sliced thin, marinated and served in hot pot and Korean barbecue-style meals.

U.S. short plate commands a significant premium in these key Asian markets compared to being utilized domestically. But short plate is just one of the U.S. beef cuts entangled in the current trade impasse with China. When China imposed its countermeasures in response to U.S...

Retail Program Engages Consumers, Differentiates US Pork Quality in Colombia

As competition intensifies in the region, USMEF ramps up a retail tasting program designed to differentiate U.S. pork and increase consumer trial.

A USMEF program for U.S. pork is generating growing interest among Colombian retailers, having expanded to 18 retail outlets of two supermarket chains in five major markets ‒ Medellin, Bogota, Cartagena, Cali and Barranquilla.

USMEF’s tasting program is an integrated initiative that helps retailers improve inventory management and merchandising techniques while providing critical information to consumers about handling and defrosting frozen U.S. pork. Overall, the tasting program drives home...

New, Value-added US Red Meat Products Launched in Peru

USMEF partners with Peruvian importer to develop and launch affordable, nutrient-rich products made with U.S. beef liver and U.S. ham

USMEF partnered with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and a Peruvian importer to introduce two U.S. red meat products to media outlets and 70 retailers, processors, caterers and institutional representatives in Lima. A liver burger and liver meatballs were developed with U.S. beef liver and U.S. ham to be affordable, easy-to-prepare meal options rich in iron and protein.

The idea for creating value-added products evolved...

Impact of Pork and Beef Exports on Corn and Soybean Industries a Bright Spot for Producers

In the wake of a challenging year for U.S. corn and soybean producers, an updated study shows how exports of pork and beef provide support to their bottom lines. In 2024, U.S. pork and beef exports of $19.1 billion – an increase of $1 billion over 2023 and down just 2% from the 2022 record – had a significant impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study conducted by the Juday Group and released by...

2024 Exports Reveal Record-Breaking Year

Each day, I work with strategic partners and my team at the National Pork Board (NPB) to serve America’s 60,000 producers by adding value to every part of the pig, domestically and internationally. Today, I’m fired up to celebrate the record-breaking 2024 year-end pork export data released last week, indicating a volume of 3.03 million metric tons (+4% YoY) valued at $8.63 billion (+6%YoY).

2024 Year-End Data

Let’s look at some key highlights sourced directly from U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF):

• Pork exports to Mexico totaled 1.15...

USMEF Explores Market Potential in Morocco During USDA Trade Mission

Risk mitigation and an underdeveloped supply-chain are among the market development challenges in this vital distribution hub for western Africa.

USMEF was among the 50 ag companies and organizations that recently visited Morocco during a trade mission hosted by USDA. Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley led the delegation, which participated in business-to-business meetings, met with Moroccan government officials, studied transportation logistics and visited retail and foodservice outlets in Casablanca. USMEF Africa Representatives Matt Copeland and Monty Brown, and USMEF Director of Trade Analysis Jessica Spreitzer... 

USMEF: Training Program Aims to Grow U.S. Beef and Pork’s Presence in Indonesia

The ASEAN American Epicurean Table program delivers customized training and promotional programs for targeted importers and their customers.

A new promotional program is expanding in Indonesia that helps importer partners grow their businesses by training their customers how to be more profitable with U.S. beef and pork. ASEAN American Epicurean Table (AAET) was rolled out recently through eight day-long training sessions in Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali over several weeks. Nearly 250 participants included representatives from three targeted importers and their customers, who represented...

USMEF Partners with Sam’s Club on U.S. Beef Training and Promotion in China

U.S. beef played a prominent role in the recent grand opening of Sam’s Club’s 50th retail outlet in China. In addition to sampling and promotions during grand opening events, U.S. beef was featured the previous day at a special promotional event. To publicize the freshness of chilled U.S. beef available at the store, USMEF livestreamed the fabrication of a chilled U.S. beef carcass (see section at page bottom)...

Culinary Training Programs for U.S. Beef and Pork Continue at Caribbean Event

USMEF led a team of 16 culinary school instructors and training “ambassadors” from the Caribbean region to Miami last month to participate in training sessions and attend the Taste of the Caribbean and the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF). Taste of the Caribbean, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) annual culinary showcase of top young chefs, provides a forum for food and beverage professionals to gather practical information, develop skills, sample and purchase products, and strengthen supplier relationships while meeting new vendors...