October Pork Exports Largest in 16 Months; Beef Exports Already Top $10 Billion

October exports of U.S. pork were the largest in more than a year and beef export volume also increased from a year ago, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Pork exports reached 238,198 metric tons (mt) in October, up 5% from a year ago and the largest since June 2021. Pork export value increased 13% to $697.3 million, the highest since May 2021. For January through October, pork exports were 12% below last year...

USMEF Conference Concludes with Election of New Officers, Overview of Current Trade Landscape

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference wrapped up Friday in Oklahoma City with the election of a new officer team. Dean Meyer, a corn, soybean and livestock producer from Rock Rapids, Iowa, is the new USMEF chair.

In addition to raising corn and soybeans, Meyer’s diversified operation – which he oversees with his three sons – includes a cattle feedlot and a farrow-to-finish hog facility. This provides him with a deep appreciation of the diverse range of agricultural sectors that make up USMEF...

USMEF Conference Examines Export Outlook, Production Constraints, Economic Headwinds

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference got underway Wednesday in Oklahoma City, attracting farmers, ranchers, processors and exporters from throughout the nation. While U.S. red meat exports will likely set a value record approaching $20 billion this year, the industry faces an array of obstacles related to the sluggish global economy, weakening currencies of key trading partners and lingering effects of the COVID pandemic. Challenges are also mounting on the production side, especially for livestock producers impacted by drought...

September Pork Exports Continue Upward Trend; Pace Cools for Beef

U.S. pork exports topped year-ago totals for the second consecutive month in September, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). September beef exports were below last year for the first time in 2022, but exports remain on a record pace through the first three quarters of the year.

Pork exports reached 222,202 metric tons (mt) in September, up 1% from a year ago. Export value increased 9% to $664.8 million – the highest since June 2021. Through September, pork exports were...

USMEF to Honor Lighthizer, Saunders at Upcoming Conference

Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, who headed the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative under the Trump administration, has been selected to receive the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) Michael J. Mansfield Award. USMEF established the award in recognition of the U.S. Senate majority leader and ambassador to Japan whose five decades of government service advanced U.S. trade relations throughout the world.

Leann Saunders, co-founder of Where Food Comes From, will receive the USMEF Distinguished Service Award. This award honors outstanding figures in the red meat industry who exemplify the exceptional, individual dedication...

August Pork Exports Trend Higher; Beef Exports Again Top $1 Billion

August exports of U.S. pork topped year-ago totals for the first time in 2022, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were slightly above last August’s large volume and again topped $1 billion in value, reaching this milestone in seven out of eight months this year.

Pork exports reached 226,293 metric tons (mt) in August, up slightly from a year ago and the largest since November 2021, while export value climbed 4% to $659.6 million...

USMEF Statement on Advancement of Under Secretary for Trade Nomination

Today the Senate Agriculture Committee reported favorably on the nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as USDA under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement in support of the nomination:

USMEF thanks the Senate Agriculture...

U.S. Red Meat Industry Commemorates 45 Years in Japan

Leaders representing the U.S. red meat industry recently traveled to Tokyo to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the inaugural U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) office, which opened in Tokyo in 1977. Japan has consistently been a top customer and is the leading international market for U.S. red meat, purchasing nearly $4.1 billion in 2021. Through July 2022, U.S. red meat exports to Japan reached $2.4 billion.

The U.S.-Japan trade partnership is highly valued by those in the U.S. pork, beef and lamb industries. While in Tokyo for meetings...

July Beef Exports Stay on $1 Billion/Month Pace; Pork Exports Remain Below Last Year

U.S. beef exports again topped $1 billion in July and posted the fifth-largest volume on record, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports remained below last year’s pace but continued to gain strength in Colombia and the Caribbean and stayed above year-ago for Mexico, the leading destination for U.S. pork.

July beef exports totaled 126,567 metric tons (mt), up 3% year-over-year. Export value increased 7% to...

USMEF Statement on Advancement of Chief Agricultural Negotiator Nomination

Today the Senate Finance Committee reported favorably on the nomination of Douglas McKalip to serve as chief agricultural negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

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

In addition to USTR’s ongoing efforts to improve and maintain international market access for U.S. red meat, several new Biden administration...

First-Half Beef Exports on $1 Billion/Month Pace; Pork Exports Below Last Year

U.S. beef exports remained on a red-hot pace in June, topping $1 billion for the fifth time this year (after twice hitting $1 billion in 2021), according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Exports of U.S. pork remained below last year’s large totals in June, while lamb exports continued to trend higher.

June beef exports totaled 130,638 metric tons (mt), down slightly from the record volume posted in May but up 16%...

May Beef Exports Reach New Heights; Pork Exports Largest of 2022

U.S. beef exports set new volume and value records in May, topping $1 billion for the fourth time this year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While pork exports were well below last year’s large totals, shipments were the largest of 2022 in both volume and value. U.S. lamb exports continued to trend higher, led by growth in the Caribbean and Mexico.

May beef exports reached 135,006 metric tons (mt), up 1% from the previous high posted...

USDA Data, Climate & Weather Driving Markets

The June webinar covered domestic weather patterns and predictions, global events in crop and livestock markets and the most recent USDA Hogs and Pigs Report.

The National Pork Board uses Pork Checkoff funds to provide operational value to pork producers, crop farmers and other stakeholders through educational materials and other resources, which includes a webinar series.

On June 29, NPB welcomed experts Andrew Thut from IBM, Erin Borror from U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and Altin Kalo from Steiner Consulting Group to speak to producers about domestic weather patterns and predictions...

Red Meat Exports Deliver Value Back to Corn and Soybean Producers, Says Study

Record-level red meat exports of $18.7 billion in 2021 had a major impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study by the Juday Group. The study quantified the returns that red meat exports brought to corn and soybean producers in 2021 nationally, and at state levels for leading corn-producing and soybean-producing states.

“The study validates the red meat industry’s collaborative approach to export market development,” says U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair-elect Dean Meyer, who produces corn...

Another $1 Billion Month for Beef Exports; Pork Exports Remain Below Year-Ago

U.S. beef exports maintained a remarkable pace in April, topping $1 billion for the third time this year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). April pork exports were well below the large totals posted a year ago, while lamb exports continued to trend higher.

Beef exports totaled 124,408 metric tons (mt) in April, up 3% from a year ago and the fifth largest on record, while export value soared 33% to $1.05 billion – second...

USMEF Spring Conference Spotlights U.S.-China Trade Relations, Innovative Promotions for US Red Meat

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) concluded its spring conference Friday in San Antonio. The three-day meeting examined a number of key issues for U.S. exporters while also updating members on promotional activities for U.S. pork, beef and lamb in a wide range of international markets.

Thursday’s general session focused on agricultural trade relations between the U.S. and China, including a deep dive into the market access gains achieved for U.S. beef and pork through the 2020 Phase One Trade and Economic Agreement...

USMEF Spring Conference Examines Strong Global Demand Tempered by Growing Economic Challenges

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference got underway Wednesday in San Antonio, attracting a diverse range of participants including pork, beef, lamb, corn and soybean producers, as well as packers, processors, exporters and traders from throughout the United States.

USMEF Chair Mark Swanson, who recently founded food safety consulting firm Tru Grit KGMS Enterprises LLC, welcomed attendees and urged them to take the opportunity to visit one-on-one with a strong contingent of USMEF’s international staff from Asia, Mexico...

USMEF Statement on Study Confirming Effectiveness of Export Market Development Programs

On May 18, the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) released an economic impact study confirming the effectiveness of export market development programs in expanding demand for U.S. agricultural products and generating a strong return on investment. The study was commissioned by the U.S. Grains Council on behalf of USAEDC members. More details are also available in this USAEDC press release and infographic.

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

USMEF Statement on USDA Undersecretary for Trade Nominee

Today the White House announced the nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement in support of the nomination...

Beef Export Value Sets Another Record; Pork Exports Improve but Remain Below Last Year’s Total

U.S. beef exports soared to another new value record in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). March pork exports were the largest so far this year but well below the record-large totals posted in March 2021. Lamb exports continued to gain momentum in March, reaching the third largest monthly volume on record and the highest value in nearly eight years.

Beef exports totaled 126,285 metric tons (mt) in March, up 1% from a...

USMEF Statement on Adjustments to Japan’s Beef Safeguard

Today the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced changes to the safeguard on Japan’s imports of U.S. beef. More details are available in this joint press release.

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

“USMEF greatly appreciates the efforts of USTR and USDA to adjust Japan’s safeguard on U.S. beef. The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement was a tremendous breakthrough for the U.S. meat industry, including the significant reduction in Japan’s tariffs on U.S. beef, but the playing field has..."

Strong Momentum Continues for U.S. Beef Exports; Pork Exports Trend Lower

Coming off a record-breaking performance in 2021, U.S. beef exports remained red-hot in January, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports continued to trend lower in January, despite another outstanding month for exports to leading market Mexico.

Beef exports totaled 119,066 metric tons (mt), up 13% from a year ago, while value soared 57% to $1.03 billion. This was the third-highest value total on record – trailing only August and November of last year – and export...

2021 Beef Exports Shatter Previous Records; Pork Export Value Also Reaches New High

U.S. beef exports greatly exceeded previous volume and value records in 2021, surpassing $10 billion for the first time, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports finished slightly below the record volume reached in 2020 but set a new value record, topping $8 billion for the first time.

December beef exports totaled 121,429 metric tons (mt), up 1% from a year ago, while value climbed 33% to $991.8 million – the third largest...

USMEF Statement on USDA/Port of Oakland Partnership

Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a partnership with the Port of Oakland to establish a new site designed to help agricultural exporters secure containers and prepare outbound shipments. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

USMEF appreciates the efforts of USDA, the Port of Oakland and other agencies to address a situation that continues to frustrate U.S. exporters. We realize there is no magic solution to the shipping difficulties confronting exporters at U.S. ports, but improving access to containers is certainly...