Red Meat Export Momentum Continues

U.S. beef and pork exports had a strong month of May, increasing significantly from April as well as from 2016 levels.  USDA statistics compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation show pork exports reached more than 222,000 metric tons.  That’s an 11% year-over-year increase and the fourth largest monthly volume on record.  Pork exports were valued at more than $583 million, up 16%.

From January through May, exports were 14% higher than last year and 18% higher in value.  Even with higher pork production, exports accounted for a larger share in 2017. May pork exports accounted for 29.4% percent of total production.

May beef exports were 6% higher than last year, coming in at 105,321 metric tons. The retail value was 9% higher at just over $582 million dollars. From January through May, beef exports were 12% higher in volume and up 16% in value compared to 2016.

Beef exports accounted for 13% of total U.S. beef production.

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