Strong Momentum Continues for U.S. Beef and Pork Exports

Following a record-breaking March performance, exports of U.S. beef and pork continued to build momentum in April, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

April exports of U.S. beef set another new value record at $808.3 million, up 35% from a year ago, with export volume reaching 121,050 metric tons (mt) – up 23% year-over-year and the fifth largest on record. For beef muscle cuts, exports were the third largest ever at 94,656 mt (up 21%), valued at a record $726.7 million (up 36%). For January through April, beef exports moved 5% ahead of last year’s pace at 454,398 mt, with value up...

Retail Cargo Imports Set New Record as Economy Recovers

Imports at retail container ports hit a new record this spring and volume during the first half of 2021 is expected to be a third higher than last year as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Despite the continuing pandemic, most consumers are in good financial health and aren’t hesitating to spend,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “More spending translates into more merchandise arriving at our ports as retailers continue to meet...

Record-Breaking Performance for U.S. Beef and Pork Exports in March

U.S. red meat exports ended the first quarter on a very high note, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), with March beef and pork exports each posting the highest monthly value on record. Pork exports and shipments of beef muscle cuts also set new volume records in March.

Beef exports totaled 124,808 metric tons (mt) in March, up 8% from a year ago and the second largest of the post-BSE era. Export value broke the $800 million mark for the first time at $801.9 million, up 14% year-over-year. Beef muscle cut exports set new monthly records for both volume (98,986 mt, up 13% from a year ago) and value ($718.3 million, up 17%). For the first quarter, beef exports pulled even with last year’s pace at...

ANALYSIS: Q1 Chicken Exports End on a High Note

After a choppy start to Q1, the USDA’s most recent export figures lend credence to the increased confidence that buyers...

ANALYSIS: Egg Prices Surge to 11-Month High on Strong Retail, Foodservice, Export Demand

A combination of retail, foodservice and export demand sent shell-egg prices soaring to an 11-month high this week. After holding steady for more than...

U.S. Poultry and Egg Exports Soared in 2020

U.S. broiler and egg exports increased in both volume and value in 2020, a year in which the industry set several all-time records in key markets despite the complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to trade data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, the value of broiler exports to China reached an all-time high; the volume of broiler exports to Mexico was...

ANALYSIS: Seasonal Trend Highlights Turkey Exports

Following a challenging and somewhat underwhelming year of turkey trade activity, the most recent monthly export figures through December 31^st, displays a modest...

Urner Barry Releases February Soy & Wheat Protein Report

In December 2020 farmers experienced yet another consecutive month of increased prices for their soybean and all-wheat crops. Average all wheat prices rose $0.19/bu from November while average soybean prices rose a similar $0.20/bu. February front month futures, on the other hand, took a marginal dip from...

2020 Retail Imports May Break Record Despite Pandemic

Imports seen during 2020 appear to be headed toward a new record despite the coronavirus pandemic, and remain at high levels as 2021 begins, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Nobody would have thought last spring that 2020 would be a record year for imports, but it was clearly an unpredictable year,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Consumers and retailers once again proved their resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. Thanks in part to government stimulus, retail sales saw...

Urner Barry Releases First Soy and Wheat Protein Report

Demand for Vital Wheat Gluten (VWG), a primarily functional ingredient used to strengthen bakery items, hamburger and hotdog buns, and as a key component in vegetarian seitan, has remained relatively stable. Primarily a byproduct of ethanol production in the generation of European energy, VWG has minimal effect on price and demand dynamics of raw wheat....

ANALYSIS: Turkey Exports Find Some Q4 Lift

After nine months of consecutive year-over-year reductions in total turkey export volume, October marks...

ANALYSIS: Australian Beef and Veal Exports to USA Hit Record Low in November

This week the Australian Department of Agriculture (DAFF) reported total beef and veal shipments to the United States at...

ANALYSIS: Pork Market Weekly Trade Activity Levels

Daily trade volume in the pork market can be influenced by any number of factors. Observing which days certain items or groupings of items show...

ANALYSIS: An All-Encompassing View of Chicken Market Variables

In light of the unseasonal price momentum demonstrated by key items within the chicken complex, this week we thought it would be a great opportunity to...