Rapid Start for 2024 Pork Exports; Beef Export Value Above Year-Ago

U.S. pork exports raced to a great start in 2024, according to January data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. While January beef exports were slightly below last year’s volume, export value trended significantly higher. Lamb exports were also strong in January, posting the highest value in more than four years.

Although January pork exports were led by another powerful performance in leading market Mexico, U.S. pork continued to make gains in a wide range of Western Hemisphere and Asia-Pacific destinations...

New Industry Resource Captures Culinary Evolution of the Caribbean

Developed in collaboration with local food scholars and regional chefs, the textbook is a go-to resource for educators and foodservice professionals

Honoring island traditions and promoting regional variations of local dishes are at the heart of a new USMEF marketing program to incorporate U.S. beef and pork into culinary communities throughout the Caribbean islands.

“The culinary histories of the islands are fascinating and ever-evolving,” says USMEF Caribbean Representative Elizabeth Wunderlich. “But there are no resources available that capture the multi-cultural influences...

U.S. Pork Export Value Sets Annual Record; Strong Finish for Beef Exports

Led by a record-shattering performance in Mexico and broad-based growth in other markets, U.S. pork exports set a value record in 2023, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While 2023 beef exports were below the record totals posted the previous year, December exports were the largest since August and December export value increased 10% year-over-year.

December pork exports climbed nearly 10% from a year ago to 268,399 metric tons...

U.S. Pork and Beef Nutrition Showcased at Ironman Event in Colombia

USMEF partnered with Colombian importers to promote U.S. pork and beef nutrition and product availability during an athletic competition in Cartagena. When promoting the health and nutritional benefits of high-quality U.S. pork and beef in Latin America, USMEF sometimes establishes a high-profile U.S. industry presence at targeted events in key markets. One recent event was in Colombia, where an Ironman competition brought health and nutrition-conscious athletes and families together for three days in Cartagena.

With an audience focused on nutrition and athletic performance, USMEF put...

November Pork Export Value Highest in 30 Months; Asia Headwinds Persist for Beef

Fueled by record performances in Mexico, Central America and Colombia, November exports of U.S. pork reached the highest value since mid-2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. beef exports slowed in November, recording the third lowest value of 2023. November lamb exports also trended lower.

November pork exports totaled 258,601 metric tons (mt), up 5% from a year ago and the highest in six months. Export value was up 2% to $737.4 million, the highest...

U.S. Lamb Showcase Highlights Quality and Market Opportunities in Mexico

USMEF brought suppliers and buyers together for a daylong event focused on U.S. lamb, including market insights and product opportunities in Mexico.

Mexico’s economy is in the midst of a broad-based economic expansion, bringing heightened demand for high-quality protein and new developments in the foodservice sector. USMEF believes the conditions in Mexico are favorable for U.S. lamb.

“At USMEF, we are seeing new opportunities in foodservice for U.S. lamb,” said Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF’s director in Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic...

U.S. Pork a High-Quality, Convenient Option for Consumers in Korea

USMEF is partnering with Korean retailers to develop and promote U.S. pork in new home meal replacement products.

Korean processors, retailers and restaurants are working aggressively to develop new ideas to satisfy the needs of fast-growing, single-person households in Korea, which now account for 41% of all households.

Consumer demand for quality and convenience is booming and USMEF is partnering with retailers to develop and promote new products with U.S. pork for as home meal replacement (HMR) options.

One such partnership has been an ongoing collaboration with...

Fine-dining Initiative Underway to Differentiate U.S. Pork in Taiwan

USMEF kicks off a new campaign to revitalize U.S. pork’s image with the trade and consumers

Following setbacks that slashed exports of U.S. pork to Taiwan in recent years, demand has rebounded in 2023. Taiwan’s zero-tolerance policy for ractopamine residues and persistent trade tensions kept ractopamine in the public eye, creating a difficult business climate as U.S. exports plunged in 2021 and 2022.

While these headwinds linger, the business climate for U.S. pork has improved as supplies from Europe and domestic producers have...

Record Value for Mexico Fuels August Pork Exports; Modest Rebound for Beef

August exports of U.S. pork were steady year-over-year, led by another tremendous performance in Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Beef exports were well below the large totals posted in August 2022 but showed improvement over July results.

August pork exports totaled 226,519 metric tons (mt), steady with last year, while export value fell 1.5% to $649.5 million. Through the first eight months of 2023, pork exports were 11% above last year’s pace at 1.91 million mt, valued...

Chef Competition Showcases U.S. Pork Quality in Vietnam

In Vietnam’s price-sensitive market, the U.S. pork industry is working to differentiate U.S. pork as top quality with the trade and consumers.

Already the preferred meat in Vietnam with annual per capita consumption near 60 pounds, pork consumption is projected to grow 3.1% per year through 2030, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Strong pork demand, combined with domestic production challenges following the discovery of African swine fever in 2019, are factors behind the U.S. pork industry’s interest in this developing market. U.S...

USMEF Partners with Chilean Importer to Grow its Portfolio of U.S. Pork Cuts

To address reduced U.S. pork sales with a major importer in Chile, USMEF South American Representative Jessica Julca worked with the importer to develop a client database to segment its customers based on their purchasing patterns and potential needs.

“El Carnicero used to import several cuts of U.S. pork but with greater availability from competitors, they were down to importing one U.S. cut,” says Julca. “The database contains purchasing data for 211 of its customers and helps them to identify loyal customers and market opportunities...

Partnerships Key to Market Development Efforts for U.S. Pork Loin in Peru

U.S. industry partnerships are behind a U.S. pork loin initiative with a major importer in Peru. Critical to the success of this initiative were technical cutting demonstrations performed for importers last year by Dr. David Newman, senior vice president for market growth for the National Pork Board (NPB) and a past member of USMEF’s executive committee.

During a USMEF-led, NPB team visit last year, Dr. Newman conducted a pork fabrication seminar for Peruvian importers to demonstrate new ideas for...

Japan’s Largest Pork Cutlet Restaurant Chain Switches to U.S. Pork

Global strategies to build demand for the U.S. pork loin are paying dividends in several markets, including high-value market Japan. Katsuya, Japan’s largest pork cutlet restaurant chain, has switched to using U.S. pork loin and tenderloin at its 450 outlets.

“Our team is working closely with targeted foodservice accounts, looking for menu opportunitites for U.S. pork. We have had some successes this summer,” says USMEF Japan Director Satoshi Kato. “Katsuya appreciated our partnership approach and has switched to chilled U.S. pork...

July Pork Exports Continue Above Year-Ago; Slow Month for Beef Exports

Building on a robust first-half performance, July exports of U.S. pork continued to outpace year-ago levels, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Beef exports took a step back in July, posting the lowest volume since January, but export value per head of fed slaughter again exceeded $400.

July pork exports totaled 219,014 metric tons (mt), up 5% year-over-year, while export value increased 1% to $628.7 million. Through the first seven months of 2023, pork exports were 13% above...

Halstrom, Borror Named to Ag Trade Advisory Committees

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai recently announced the appointment of private-sector representatives to serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees. More details are in this joint USDA/USTR press release.

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom was reappointed to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. A full list of committee members is available here.

USMEF Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror was appointed to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products...

Outstanding First Half for U.S. Pork Exports; Beef Exports Below Record Pace of 2022

U.S. pork exports concluded an excellent first half with another strong performance in June, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While well below the record pace established in 2022, June beef exports topped $900 million in value, pushing first-half export value to nearly $5 billion.

June pork exports totaled 245,964 metric tons (mt), up 12% from a year ago, while export value climbed 6% to $691.4 million. Through the...

Blindfold Tests Demonstrate U.S. Beef’s Quality to Importers in Central America

In markets where buyers and end-users only know the lean, grass-fed beef produced locally, simple tactics are sometimes best to demonstrate U.S. beef’s superior attributes. In recent months, market development efforts have centered on blindfold taste tests in Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, Honduras and Dominican Republic to demonstrate the superior quality of grain-fed U.S. beef. According to Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s representative in the region, the taste tests are very effective.

“We conduct a two-three hour educational program for importers and their end-user customers...

U.S. Suppliers Meet with Latin American Buyers at USMEF’s Product Showcase

Red meat buyers from Central and South America and the Caribbean recently met with U.S. suppliers in Cartagena, Colombia, during the 11th edition of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Latin American Product Showcase. With 70 U.S. exporting companies exhibiting at the showcase, 220 importers had the opportunity to meet U.S. suppliers and arrange purchases of a wide range of U.S. red meat products.

“We are a family company in Colombia for 45 years. This show is very important to us, because we can find new suppliers,” said Laura...

Japanese Restaurant Chain Switching to U.S. Pork Following Promotion

North Graphic, a growing regional foodservice chain in Sapporo, Japan, has decided to switch to U.S. pork at its six outlets following a successful two-month promotion. Specializing in Italian and Chinese cuisine, North Graphic developed new menu items as part of the promotion, including buta-kara (Japanese-style deep fried pork) utilizing U.S. pork loin and pork butt.

Prior to the promotion, the chain had used European pork at its restaurants.

North Graphic is also developing deli products with U.S...

New Retail Opportunities for U.S. Beef in the Philippines

The expansion of membership-based retailing in Southeast Asia has reached the Philippines, creating new opportunities to introduce high-quality U.S. beef to consumers. USMEF partnered with S&R Membership Shopping to promote U.S. beef during the grand opening of its newest outlet in Kawit, 15 miles south of Manila. S&R is the leading membership shopping retailer in the Philippines with 23 outlets nationwide.

Fourteen cuts of U.S. beef were featured, including middle meats and several cuts and items from the chuck and round. In addition to...

May Pork Exports Highest in Two Years; Beef Exports Below Record-Large, Year-Ago Totals

Led by another outstanding month in Mexico and robust demand for variety meat, exports of U.S. pork continued to gain momentum in May, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. While well below the record-large volume and value posted in May 2022, beef exports improved from April and were the second largest (behind March) of 2023.

May pork exports reached 261,361 metric tons (mt), up 16% from a year ago, the ninth largest on record and the largest since May 2021...

Japanese Buyers Visit Wisconsin to Learn about U.S. Dairy Cattle and Beef Quality

As sales recover slowly from the pandemic in Japan’s foodservice sector, buyers are seeking new ideas to cap rising input costs. A key strategy for USMEF this year is to present economical options to buyers, such as underutilized cuts of beef and in some cases, beef from dairy cattle. Japan abolished the cattle age limit for imported beef in 2019, which opened the door to importing beef from dairy cattle.

USMEF’s Tokyo office led a team of foodservice buyers to Wisconsin last...

U.S. Red Meat Industry Makes Presence Known at SIAL China

An eye-catching location and expanded pavilion with spacious public reception areas, private meeting spaces, meat sample displays and a separate cooking area for product tastings were among the pieces in place to ensure a prominent presence for the U.S. red meat industry at SIAL China in Shanghai. Twelve members joined the USMEF Pavilion at the show, which hosted 175,527 attendees from 67 countries during the three-day event.

These elements were part of a blueprint designed to tout grain-fed U.S. beef and pork as top quality and show...

U.S. Beef Sustainability, Alternative Cuts Highlighted at Consumer Festival in Taiwan

U.S. beef held a featured role at the 2023 Vogue Picnic in Taipei, one of Taiwan’s largest outdoor events. The festival attracted an estimated 30,000, mostly young consumers. Sustainability, an issue of increasing importance among younger demographics in Taiwan, was a central message for the U.S. beef industry. Sustainability facts and information about U.S. production practices were shared with consumers and media at both industry booths and during presentations, cooking demonstrations, product samplings and interactive games.

Erich Kuss, chief of the Agricultural Section at the American Institute in Taiwan...

Campaign Underway to Promote Chilled U.S. Pork Back Ribs in Korea

As the South Korean government works to rein in rising prices, another duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) for imported pork was recently announced. Because pork imports from the U.S., EU and Chile enter Korea duty-free under free trade agreements, pork TRQs primarily benefit Canadian, Brazilian and Mexican pork.

With competitors gaining greater access to the high-value Korean market, USMEF efforts to promote and differentiate U.S. pork quality with the Korean trade and consumers are accelerating.

“We talked with U.S. suppliers and key accounts in the trade,”...

USMEF Conference Details Farm Bill Challenges, Examines Importance of U.S.-Mexico Trade Relations

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference concluded Friday in Minneapolis with insights from former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson on how to make international trade a higher priority in the next Farm Bill.

Peterson, who oversaw the development of four Farm Bills during his 30 years in Congress, said trade has too often taken a back seat in Farm Bill debate and messaging.
“For those of you that have members of Congress in your area who are on the Ag Committee, start...

USMEF Conference Examines Industry Challenges, Opportunities for U.S. Market Share Gains

The USMEF Spring Conference got underway May 24 in Minneapolis, with USMEF senior staff updating members on industry efforts to expand the international footprint for U.S. red meat and bolster demand for underutilized pork, beef and lamb cuts.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen welcomed a strong turnout of producers, exporters, packers, processors and traders from across the nation, praising their collaborative efforts to advance U.S. agriculture by building global demand.

“I really wasn’t a ‘feed-the-world’ type of person when I started as commissioner,” Petersen said. “But as...

U.S. Pork Loin is Featured Attraction at Training Events with Mexican Distributors

USMEF recently partnered with Cedicarnes, a leading pork importer in northeast Mexico, to provide education and training for its end-user clients in foodservice on the versatility and quality attributes of U.S. pork loin. The training event was the first of seven planned in 2023 to promote the U.S. pork loin with importer/distributors and their end-user clients.

“These events are opportunities to explain the quality attributes of U.S. pork loin and demonstrate its versatility through the...

New Opportunities Developing for U.S. Beef in China’s Foodservice Sector

China’s economy is off to a good start in 2023 as consumer spending rallies from extended pandemic restrictions. Foodservice is rebounding and importers are working aggressively with its restaurant customers to meet changing demand from consumers. The pursuit of fresh ideas is creating new opportunities for high-quality, grain-fed U.S. beef in a sector that is accustomed to lean, grass-fed beef from South America.

USMEF partnered with a key importer to conduct training on specific U.S. beef cuts for one of its customers, a hot pot chain with... 

March Pork Exports Largest in Nearly Two Years; Beef Exports Show Signs of Rebound

March exports of U.S. pork were the largest since May 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. While below last year’s high volume, March beef exports were the largest since October.

March pork exports totaled 260,195 metric tons (mt), up 17% year-over-year and the ninth largest volume on record. Export value was also ninth largest at $724 million, up 18% from a year ago. These results capped a strong first quarter for U.S. pork as exports reached 716,691 mt...