March Pork Exports Third Largest on Record; Beef Variety Meat Value Reaches New High

March exports of U.S. pork were among the largest on record, concluding a very strong first quarter, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While March beef exports were below last year – largely due to the ongoing lockout by China – the value of beef variety meat shipments reached a new monthly high, surpassing the previous record from January.

Pork exports totaled 285,567 metric tons (mt) in March, up 6% from a year ago, the largest in five years and the third largest on record. Export value increased 4% to $803.2 million, the...

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...

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...