Beef Exports Were Solid In May Despite Issues In China

May was a bit of a challenge for U.S. beef producers, thanks primarily to beef plant suspensions in China.

“While we have a lot of the beef plants relisted in the China CIFER system, we still do not have total access, because a lot of plants have been suspended," said U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "So, this represents about $2 billion in sales, potentially. That was our peak in 2022. Until we can get some of these issues resolved on the beef side, we will continue to lack that demand.”

Halstrom said despite those challenges, overall exports numbers were strong in May.

“Volumes were pretty good, considering our supply situation, down 5% on volume and up 2% on value at over $818 million in the month of May," Halstrom said. "I think this is a testament to the fact that our global customers, despite higher prices, continue to pay for our quality. The value per head of exports: $468 a head. This is the largest value return in four years, since 2022.”

Halstrom added that May was a very good month, for U.S. pork exports, with 10% growth year-on-year on volume, 8% growth on value.

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