Brazil Stops All Exports of Poultry Meat to China

According to an official Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) document released today (19 July) Brazil has taken a precautionary measure to temporarily suspend the issuance of international sanitary certificates for poultry meat exports to the People's Republic of China. Sanitary certificates requested from 17 July will not be issued until further notice.

This is an updated measure from a previous declaration from MAPA banning poultry meat and meat products originating solely from the State of Rio Grande Do Sul.

Meanwhile, MAPA also declared today (19 July) an animal health...

ANALYSIS: May Turkey Export Volume Reveals Generally Conservative Changes from April

May’s turkey export data showed that volume comparisons with April were mostly conservative compared with the five-year average changes. The total amount of turkey sold to foreign buyers decreased by approximately 1%, compared to a five-year average increase of 5% for this period. Moving from April to May, the top three export buyers of U.S. turkey remained as Mexico, Canada, and Jamaica absorbing 31.76 million pounds, 1.10 million pounds, and 0.77 million pounds, respectively.

Mexico was the primary driver of the overall decrease in turkey...

ANALYSIS: 1H 2024 in Review, Australia’s Beef Industry Navigates Surge in US Exports 

For a relatively small, cattle producing country, Australian beef is heavily traded. In fact, it's on the podium for one of the world's most traded this year. Australia's beef industry in the first half of 2024 has navigated a dynamic landscape reshaped by global market shifts and regional challenges. This period has been marked by significant export expansions to the world’s largest beef market, the US. Despite facing challenges in Asian markets due to evolving consumer demand dynamics, Australia continued to position...

ANAlYSIS: Brazilian Beef Exports Reach Record Highs in H1 2024 Amid Currency Depreciation

Brazilian beef exports reached unprecedented volume in the first half of 2024, totaling 1,139,166 metric tons (MT), a substantial 29.1% increase from the 882,197 MT exported during the same period last year. Just in June, export figures hit 192,567 MT, reflecting a 9.2% decrease from May's 211,976 MT and nearly similar to the same period last year’s 192,688 MT, reflecting only a 0.1% drop.

China remains the top destination for Brazilian beef, absorbing nearly half of the total volume shipped in H1 2024...

ANALYSIS: Australia's 1H 2024 Beef Exports Grew 25.7% Y-o-Y, June Volumes Highest Since 2019

Australia’s beef and veal exports surged to 601,408 mt in the first half of 2024, data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) indicated. This marked a robust 25.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

Year-to-date (YTD) volumes grew by 123,030 mt buoyed by high Australian production levels. This growth underscores the timely outcome of herd rebuilding efforts initiated since 2021.

This export increase has primarily been fuelled by a supply shortage in the US caused by ongoing...

May Beef Export Value Highest in 11 Months; Pork Exports Below Year-Ago

The value of U.S. beef exports topped $900 million in May, the highest since June 2023, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Pork exports posted another solid performance in May, but were below last year in both volume and value.

May beef exports totaled 110,133 metric tons (mt), down 5% from a year ago but the second largest of 2024. Beef export value reached $902.4 million in May, 3% above last year and the highest in 11 months. For January through...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Beef Sector Intensifies US Market Push, May 2024’s Exports Surge 26.0% M-O-M

The New Zealand beef industry is increasingly targeting the lucrative US market to capitalize on the high demand resulting from supply shortages. New Zealand’s exports in May 2024 were recorded at 57,202 mt, the highest in-month level since the 2015 drought year of 57,538 mt, data from Stats NZ indicated.

On a monthly basis, exports jumped 26.0% or by 11,796 mt. Year-on-year, the country’s beef exports grew 4.9% or 2,659 mt...

Meat Institute Opposes Section 301 Tariffs; Calls for Comprehensive Trade Agreements

In comments submitted to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) opposing the proposed modifications to the Section 301 actions, the Meat Institute called for comprehensive trade agreements as a long-term strategy to level the playing field for meat and poultry companies and to hold China accountable for its actions.

“The Section 301 tariffs and resulting retaliatory measures imposed by China have caused undue harm to U.S. agricultural exports, including meat exports. U.S. trade policy, such as the one proposed in this Section 301 action, should not inflict pain...

China Welcomes US Dairy Firms Expanding in the Country, Vice Minister says

China welcomes dairy companies from all countries, including the U.S., to expand their business in the Chinese market, Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen said on Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with U.S. Dairy Export Council President Krysta Harden, the ministry said in a statement.

The visit came days after the ministry said China may impose provisional anti-dumping measures on pork imports from the European Union as part of a year-long probe that began on June 17...

ANALYSIS: China’s May 2024 Beef Imports Soar 30% YoY; Consumer Shifts from Pork

China’s May 2024 beef imports rebounded from last month, rising 4.5% m-o-m or 10,048 mt to 234,449 mt, the latest General Administration of Customs People's Republic of China data indicated.

On a yearly basis, volumes soared 30.7% (55,053 mt), primarily driven by a hike in Brazilian imports. Exports to China was previously suspended in 2023 over Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) issues.

Year-to-date (YTD) figures stood at 1.23 million mt, a decline of 23.6% or 234,589 mt compared to the same period last year...

Trade Barriers Removed from Exports of French and Irish Beef to Republic of Korea

French and Irish beef producers will once again be able to export beef to the Republic of Korea, thanks to the European Commission’s efforts to negotiate the removal of local restrictions on EU beef.

In a significant development for the European beef industry, the Republic of Korea has officially opened market access for beef from France and Ireland. This positive result follows consistent representations made by the Commission, including through direct outreach by Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis...

ANALYSIS: Divergent Pricing Strategies for Mexican Export Short Loins

The Mexican export market has shown contrasting positions regarding the negotiation of short loin prices with the U.S. market. On one hand, some sellers have chosen to negotiate material at lower prices, responding to the historically seasonal decline in short loin prices starting in June and avoiding the risk of holding material that could depreciate even more in the future. On the other hand, there is an opposing stance that directly responds to current market trends. Observing the U.S. boxed beef market, short loin prices have shown a...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Export Volume Expands MoM Stride

By most accounts, April marked the continuation of a general improvement in year-over-year (YoY) turkey export throughput which has been playing out since June of 2023. Total holdings through month’s end touched on about 40.9 million pounds which marks an 18.5% YoY advance. Despite this significant leap, April’s ending tally is still positioned 2.3 million pounds shy of the seasonal 5-year average. As for the comparative monthly data, total outward volume during the month rose by 11.3%. This uptick is a stark contrast to the average 4.9% reduction observed...

April Pork Exports Largest in Nearly Three Years; Beef Exports Also Trend Higher

April exports of U.S. pork reached the highest volume and value since May 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. It was also a robust month for U.S. beef exports, which were the largest in 10 months and valued at just under $900 million.

Fueled by a record performance in leading market Mexico, pork exports totaled 277,910 metric tons (mt) in April, up 14% from a year ago and the fifth largest on record. Export value climbed 18% to $778.8 million

ANALYSIS: Brazil's Beef Exports Reach Record Highs in May, China's Shares Decline

Brazil has achieved a historical record in beef exports as of May 2024, exporting an unprecedented 211,976 MT of beef. This represents an increase of 1.9% from the previous month and a surged 25.9% when compared to the same period last year. On a YTD basis, the total volume is up by 16.7%.

China remains the leading importer, purchasing 97,876 MT of Brazilian beef in May. However, this figure is slightly lower than April's 101,023 MT ,a 3.1% decrease,  and corresponds to an 11.8% decline compared...

ANALYSIS: Australia's May 2024 Meat Exports Soar to Record Highs

Australia’s May 2024 total meat exports hit a record high, reaching a total of 200,188 mt of meat, including beef/veal, mutton, lamb, and pork, data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (D.A.F.F) indicated. Volumes surpassed record highs last seen in October 2019 at 189,895 mt.

Volumes on a year-on-year basis jumped 22.0% or 36,122 mt. Exports grew 9.6% or 17,441 mt after a 4-month consecutive rise.

The country’s beef/veal exports for May 2024 jumped 24.5%...

ANALYSIS: China’s Beef Imports Hit Lowest in April Since Start of 2024 Amid Sluggish Demand

China’s April 2024 beef imports plummeted to its lowest point since the start of the year, shedding 7.7% month over month or 18,718 mt to 224,402 mt, the latest General Administration of Customs People's Republic of China data indicated.

By virtue of its population, China is the world's second largest beef market after the US, with most of the growth led by affluent urbanites. In recent years, the beef market has been further boosted by the rapid growth of the 'quick commerce' sector, which 

USDA Awards $300 Million to Diversify Export Markets for U.S. Agriculture

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is allocating $300 million to 66 U.S. organizations, under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), to build demand for American food and farm exports in high-potential markets around the globe.

Secretary Vilsack launched RAPP in October 2023, authorizing $1.2 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding to help U.S. exporters expand their customer base beyond traditional and established markets, focusing on regions such as Africa, Latin America and...

USMEF Statement on Regional Agricultural Promotion Program Funding Allocations

On May 21, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced funding allocations for the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), which utilizes Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to diversify export markets for U.S. agricultural products.

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

USMEF is honored to participate in RAPP and we thank Secretary Vilsack and the staff at USDA for their vision and leadership in implementing this program. The additional investment in foreign market development is very timely...

American, Mexican, and Canadian Cattle Producers Sign Joint Statement Raising Brazilian Beef Concern

Today, leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG), and Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) signed a joint statement to continue advocating for greater oversight of emerging lab-grown proteins, protecting cattle from animal diseases, and promoting the sustainability of the cattle industry. This action builds on the recent statement signing with Cattle Australia and furthers the international partnerships between cattle producers.

“The signing of this joint statement is an important step that unites cattle producers across North America...

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Beef Export Volumes Show a Robust 25% Monthly Growth in April

Despite the general sentiment of a softened market from key export destinations for the Brazilian beef, exports in April demonstrated a significant upturn, with total fresh beef exports reaching 208,053 MT, a 25.1% increase from previous month’s 166,303 MT. The significant rebound in export figures from March have surprised some stakeholders given the persistent talk about a subdued demand and pressured prices. Particularly from the Chinese market, a major trading partner of Brazil.

April’s overall market undertone diverged by some means from the increased export figures...

ANALYSIS: Factors Influencing Mexican Ribeye Export Levels

The Mexican market has recorded its lowest export levels to the US in the last five years during 2024, primarily due to the strength of the peso in the exchange rate and increased demand in the Mexican domestic market. Despite this, the limited availability of materials in the USA has sustained interest in Mexican ribeyes.

Throughout the year, export price trends have mirrored those in the US market, particularly with select-type materials. Notably, this cut has shown remarkable price stability, maintaining consistent demand and demonstrating robust performance in the first quarter of...

ANALYSIS: Impacts of Prop 12 Shape Memorial Day Outlook for Pork Ribs, Bacon and Butts

Memorial Day is traditionally celebrated as one of the major pork holidays each year. Ribs, bacon, and butts are all beloved staples of this popular weekend that marks the official start of summer. However, this year presents a unique situation due to rebounding cold storage levels post prop 12 proclamation, sow liquidations, and economic uncertainty, unlike the past few years.

The current values for bone-in butts show an increase of 3.9% compared to this time last year, and they are also 10.4% above the...

DOA: Australian Government Phase Out of Live Sheep Exports by Sea

Decision on how and when

The Australian Government has announced the export of live sheep by sea will end on 1 May 2028.

Legislation will be introduced in this term of the Australian Parliament to end the trade in law.

Trade can continue until the end date without any additional restrictions such as caps or quotas. The prohibition will not apply to other livestock export industries, such as live cattle exports, nor will it apply to live sheep exports by air...

ANALYSIS: Global Price Overview– Beef Knuckles

Urner Barry offers comprehensive beef price coverage across the world's largest markets. This analysis examines a popular cut, the knuckle, which is traded in different global regions. The report explores market conditions and price trends for knuckles, a round cut utilized in various applications such as processed steak items, ground beef production and for slicing and dicing.

To access the full range of Urner Barry's market insights, refer to our prices and market commentary. This includes coverage for U.S. Choice, Select, and Ungraded Boxed Beef, as well as U.S. Boneless Beef markets...

Analysis: Rising Demand for U.S. Boneless Pork Butt in South Korea

Upon analyzing the USDA's year-to-date export data, there is a noteworthy increase of 70.6% in total weekly U.S. pork export volumes to South Korea compared to this same period last year. These exports have primarily consisted of pork butt items.

Conversely, year-to-date total beef exports to South Korea have decreased by 5.4% from the previous year. Elevated U.S. beef prices have led to a reduction in weekly export volumes to South Korea.

With dwindling pork supplies in the European market and high U.S. beef prices...

ANALYSIS: March's Turbulent Tradewinds in Chicken Exports

The latest chicken export data through the end of March leaves some room for interpretation depending on one’s vantage point. Closing Q1 at 558.5 thousand pounds, total export tonnage rebounded 2.1% from February. This loosely coincides with the seasonally-anticipated average uptick of 7% realized over the past five years. Nonetheless, March’s closing tally was slow to make year-over-year (YoY) headway; standing just shy of 11% below ’23 levels.

In terms of value, March’s reading retreated by about 10% when compared to this time last year. Market participants are...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Export Volume Closes Q1 on a Relatively Positive Note

The latest turkey export data marks a continuation of the year-over-year (YoY) advances in outward tonnage which have been evident over the past nine months. Coming in at 37.7 million pounds, March’s closing tally stood 15%, or 3.5 million pounds, above this time in 2023. Given the ongoing complications with HPAI-related production and export constraints, it bears noting that total export figures still remain situated at the third-lowest seasonal level realized in two decades. Export value during this timeframe notched lower by 0.5%; positioning...

US Demand Spurs Australian Beef Exports

Prices of Australian beef export have been on the rise, despite tepid consumer demand in the Asian Pacific food service sector. Overall consumption has been subdued due to cautionary spending and inflationary economic headwinds.

Selling indications of 95CL boneless beef has tipped over the $300/cwt CIF NE Asia for the first time this week since the start of the year, driven by the rally in US beef prices.

Strong March 2024 export figures have provided a substantial confidence boost to Australian exporters to drive plans for operational expansion...

Brazil's Chicken Exports Hit Highs Despite YoY Drop and Stagnant Prices

In March 2024, Brazil's chicken meat exports reached a peak, totaling 418,100 tonnes. This volume marks the highest recorded for the year yet reflects an 18.8% decrease from March 2023's unprecedented 514,600 tonnes.

Revenue from chicken exports also declined by 23.4% year-on-year, from $980.5 million to $751.3 million. Domestically, prices paid to chicken producers has remained stubbornly low over the past six months, ranging from approximately R$ 7.20/kg in October 2023 to R$ 7.32/kg as of March 2024, according to...

ANALYSIS: "Falling Feathers"- A Retreat in February's Chicken Export Volume...

February’s closing export tally primarily speaks to a contraction in total outward tonnage. Closing the month at 546.8 million pounds, one would have to venture all the way back to 2017 before coming across a lower seasonal figure. When compared with ’23, total volume retreated by 10.2%, or 62.3 million pounds. While the cumulative data almost speaks for itself, it is worth noting that the year-over-year (YoY) retreat in demand for U.S. chicken was not necessarily felt universally across all trade destinations...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Exports Tonnage: Greater Than What Meets the Eye

The turkey export figures were quite a sight to behold throughout the month of February. At 36.4 million pounds, total outward tonnage rose on a year-over-year (YoY) basis for the ninth consecutive month in a row. The most recent data gave way to a notable 46% advance from 2023. This was enough to position February’s closing figure at the highest seasonal level observed since 2021.

Total export value also realized a 20% uptick from the previous year. Although month-over-month (MoM) volume retreated by 0.07%...

ANALYSIS: Australia's March Beef/Veal Exports Reach Highest Levels Since 2014, US Takes Top Spot

Australia’s beef/veal exports for March surged to levels not seen since 2014, up 7.7% y-o-y or up 7,595 mt to 106,573 mt, data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (D.A.F.F) indicated. This also pointed to a consecutive monthly increase of 12,739 mt or 13.6% m-o-m. 

Notably, the US has taken over as the largest export destination for Australia, surpassing Japan, for the first time since 2015. The Monthly Australian Meat Export figures to...

Trade and Exports Continue to Strengthen American Agriculture

American agriculture remains strong. Total U.S. agricultural exports reached $174.9 billion in 2023. American farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners continue to have success abroad as USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service works for U.S. agriculture.

Exports are critical to the health of America’s farm sector and the nation’s economy. USDA and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to ensuring that U.S. agriculture has full and fair access to markets and opportunities across the globe.

In the trade policy arena, USDA successfully opened a new grapefruit market in Vietnam...

US Egg Industry Leaders Embark on USDA Trade Mission to South Korea

South Korea a priority target in strategic industry goal to double U.S. egg exports in five years

American Egg Board President and CEO Emily Metz and Greg Hinton, VP of sales at Rose Acre Farms in Seymour, Indiana, this week are accompanying agriculture and food industry leaders and various state secretaries of agriculture on a U.S. Department of Agriculture agribusiness trade mission to Seoul, South Korea, led by Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor, March 25-28...

Majority of EU Countries Ask Bloc to Scale Back Deforestation Law

Some 20 members of the European Union asked Brussels to scale back and possibly suspend the bloc's anti-deforestation law on Tuesday, saying the policy would harm farmers, in the latest blowback against Europe's environmental agenda.

The EU law aims to root deforestation out of supply chains for beef, soy and other agricultural products sold in Europe, so that European consumers are not contributing to the destruction of global forests from the Amazon to Southeast Asia.

Those rules equally apply to European farmers, who will be banned from exporting...