USMEF Statement on America First Trade Promotion Program Allocations

On April 16, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced the 2026 America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP) funding allocations, which are key investments aimed at advancing U.S. agricultural exports.

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

USMEF greatly appreciates the Trump administration’s efforts to expand U.S. agricultural exports through reciprocal trade agreements and other critical negotiations. But resources are also needed to capitalize on these agreements, and...

USMEF Partners with Certified Hereford Beef for Three Launch Events in Colombia

Industry efforts to differentiate U.S. beef in Colombia took another step forward with a nationwide launch of the Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) brand. In partnership with member Agri Food & Feed, importer Ancla y Viento and with support by the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, USMEF implemented promotional launch events for CHB with foodservice and hospitality sectors in three major Colombian cities.

Nearly 350 attendees, including importers, distributors, restaurant owners, chefs, buyers and managers attended the promotional events in Bogotá, Cartagena and Cali. USMEF Colombia Representative María Ruíz provided welcome...

February Pork Exports Above Year-Ago; Another Big Month for Beef Variety Meat

February exports of U.S. pork were slightly higher year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While beef exports trended lower, due in large part to continued lack of access to China, shipments of beef variety meat posted another strong increase. February was a robust month for per-head export value, with pork exports equating to more than $67 per head slaughtered and beef exports reaching nearly $423 per head of fed slaughter...

US Beef Returns to Australia After 23-Year Absence

A launch event with USTR, the U.S. Embassy and the Foreign Agricultural Service commemorates the reopening of the Australian market to U.S. beef.

For more than two decades, following the first detected case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in the U.S., the beef industry and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) have worked diligently to regain access to the Australian market. In 2025, U.S. beef and beef products were officially declared eligible for importation into Australia — a significant milestone for the U.S. beef industry.

To commemorate and publicize this renewed...

US Beef Delights Top Restaurateurs and Chefs in Accra, Ghana

USMEF hosted two U.S. beef tastings at the well-regarded Nguni Bar and Grill, in Accra, Ghana. The 64 participants included professional chefs, restaurant owners and operators, food influencers and corporate banking relationship executives who work with hotels and hospitality businesses. Over two evenings, they were treated to U.S. brisket, and sirloin, ribeye and T-bone steaks.

The two-night event helps build on momentum generated by USMEF’s trade mission to Accra in 2025, says Chad Carney, USMEF Africa marketing manager.

“The tasting sessions showcased the quality, versatility and culinary appeal of premium U.S. beef cuts while strengthening engagement with key stakeholders in Ghana’s food service and hospitality industry,” Carney said. “Representatives from...

Growing US Red Meat’s Presence with National Restaurant Chains in Japan

USMEF efforts to increase consumer awareness and grow U.S. beef and pork’s presence on the menus of nationwide restaurant chains in Japan is stepping forward through an extended promotion with a family-style chain. Washoku Sato, a Japanese cuisine-based chain, included three U.S. beef and pork dishes on menus at 201 locations nationwide.

Since October, U.S. pork loin has been a featured item on Washoku Sato’s tonkatsu menu, U.S. beef short plate is promoted on its sukiyaki menu and U.S. beef large intestines is a featured item on its hot pot menu. Washoku Sato estimates it utilizes...

Differentiation Efforts for US Pork Reach Korea’s Institutional Sector

The U.S. pork industry is working to develop opportunities in Korea’s institutional catering sector, where major companies typically serve meals to large numbers of its employees.

An acute labor shortage has employers competing for talent while persistent inflation makes dining out an expensive option for employees. Companies increasingly see their company cafeterias as employee retention tools, and many are working to improve the quality of the meals they offer.

“This environment creates new opportunities as we seek to move product and differentiate U.S. pork...

Pork Exports Open 2026 on High Note; Beef Variety Meat Value Record-High

U.S. pork exports trended higher year-over-year in January, led by another outstanding performance from leading market Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). January beef exports were lower than a year ago due to the prolonged lockout in China, but export value per head of fed slaughter was more than $415 – the highest since March and reflecting solid demand in other markets. Beef variety meats were a major bright spot, with export value topping the...

Market Development Efforts for Beef and Pork Expand in Northern Honduras

USMEF partners with Honduran importer to expand the range of U.S. beef and pork cuts utilized in San Pedro Sula’s foodservice sector.

USMEF conducted a series of training sessions with key hotel, restaurant and café customers of Honduran importer Grupo Alza in the northern city of San Pedro Sula. With a metro area population of nearly 1.5 million, San Pedro Sula is Honduras’ primary industrial center and its second largest city after the capital city of Tegucigalpa. San Pedro Sula has an estimated 25–30% of the country’s formal restaurants, making it a key foodservice hub.

USMEF partnered with Grupo Alza to introduce new U.S. beef and pork cuts to distributors and end-user restaurants and provide further training and education...

Pork Exports Just Short of 2024 Record; Beef Feels Pinch of China Lockout

U.S. pork exports posted the second highest value and third largest volume on record in 2025, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). December beef exports were the largest in eight months, but full-year shipments fell substantially year-over-year, largely due to the ongoing trade impasse with China. Exports of  U.S. lamb muscle cuts were the largest in more than a decade.

December pork exports totaled 257,846 metric tons (mt), down 3.5% from the large volume posted a year ago...

USMEF Statement on US-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Feb. 19 an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Indonesia. As detailed here, the agreement includes tremendous market access gains for U.S. red meat.

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

Indonesia has been a leading priority for the U.S. red meat industry throughout recent negotiations on reciprocal trade. Especially without access to China, the U.S. beef industry needs to be able to serve the Indonesian market, which...

US Pork Featured at Vietnamese Festival, Shared with Underprivileged Families

USMEF partnered with a local college in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate a Lunar New Year tradition in Vietnam, share U.S. pork with underprivileged families and promote U.S. spare ribs to retail partners. With support from Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council, USMEF collaborated with Saigon Tourist Hospitality College (STHC) to celebrate Vietnam’s Banh Chung Cake Festival.

Banh Chung is a traditional Vietnamese cake that is closely associated with the Lunar New Year. Its main ingredients traditionally include glutinous rice, mung beans and pork belly...

US Beef Industry Working to Rebuild Market Share in Colombia

New product launches for branded U.S. beef products are expanding the industry’s retail presence in Colombia, an important step toward regaining market share in this increasingly competitive market. Supermarket chains Exito and Carulla recently introduced several new branded U.S. beef products at stores in major Colombian cities. USMEF partnered with importers on training, merchandising and promotional programs to launch the new products.

“Rebuilding market share is a priority for U.S. beef in Colombia,” says USMEF Colombia Representative Maria Ruiz. “The Canadian beef industry developed new business here when U.S. beef...

USMEF Statement on Signing of US-Taiwan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Thursday the signing of an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Taiwan. As detailed in this USTR fact sheet, the agreement includes significant market access gains for U.S. red meat. 

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

USMEF greatly appreciates USTR’s dedication to resolving Taiwan’s tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. red meat through the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. Taiwan is the fifth largest market for U.S. beef, with...

USMEF Statement on 2026 USDA Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program Allocation

On Feb. 11, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service announced its 2026 allocations under the USDA Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program, which are key investments aimed at advancing U.S. agricultural exports.

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

With outstanding support from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, MAP and FMD are essential programs for developing new destinations for U.S. products – including U.S. pork, beef and lamb – and for defending U.S. agriculture’s market share worldwide. These...

US Beef Remains Top-of-Mind with Buyers at Gulfood

The U.S. red meat industry was very well-represented last week at Gulfood in Dubai, U.A.E., where more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries displayed their wares. Billed as the world’s largest food trade show, Gulfood doubled its capacity in 2026, operating simultaneously across two separate locations in Dubai.

Several USMEF members joined USMEF staff and representatives to meet potential buyers from the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and North Asia.

In addition to the steadfast interest in U.S. beef expressed at the show, USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom...

November Pork and Beef Exports Below Year-Ago Levels; Lamb Trends Higher

Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were significantly lower year-over-year, due in large part to the ongoing lockout by China. Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest volume since July and highest value since May. 

Exports of U.S. pork totaled 254,085 metric tons (mt) in November, down 7% from a year ago but the third largest of 2025. Exports...

Introducing US Pork to New Audiences in Malaysia

As the U.S. pork industry gains access in Malaysia, efforts are expanding to introduce and promote U.S. pork to consumers through the foodservice sector. While Malaysia is largely Muslim, an estimated 35% of its 34 million people are non-Muslim with a strong affinity for pork.

USMEF partnered with three restaurants in Kuala Lumpur for two very different types of promotions, both designed to raise awareness of and promote the high-quality attributes of U.S. pork. At two upscale Corks Out restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, USMEF conducted a traditional promotion in which premium cuts of pork were offered with an incentive of a free dessert, specially chosen to pair with the specific cut. The three featured cuts were the U.S. pork ribeye, the shoulder and tomahawk steak.

Retailer Expansion Offers New Opportunities for US Beef in Taiwan

USMEF partnered with Taiwanese importer Yu-Ho Foods on a retail seminar about U.S. beef for Yu-Ho and its retail customer PX Mart. The retailer, already Taiwan’s largest supermarket chain with 1,200 outlets, had recently purchased a 20-outlet hypermart chain and expressed interest to Yu-Ho in seeing a wider range of U.S. beef items to consider for both chains.

USMEF conducted a technical seminar for the fresh foods department staff of PX Mart and Yu-Ho Foods at Yu-Ho’s headquarters. The first half of the seminar included an industry overview about U.S. production, grading standards and the quality...

USMEF Statement on Dr. Julie Callahan's Confirmation as USTR's Chief Ag Negotiator

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

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

Julie Callahan brings an unparalleled level of knowledge, experience and dedication to this position and USMEF congratulates Dr. Callahan on her confirmation by the U.S. Senate. This is an especially critical time for agricultural trade, with ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and many key trading partners. USMEF thanks the U.S. Senate for its timely confirmation of a proven leader who is a tireless advocate for U.S. agriculture...

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...

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...