The value of beef exports in August set a new monthly value record of $655.2 million, up 16 percent from a year ago, according to data compiled by USMEF. The record came in spite of a 3 percent decline in volume to 102,456 metric tons (mt). For January through August, beef exports climbed 3 percent in volume (790,208 mt) and 13 percent in value ($4.55 billion) compared to the same period in 2013.
Pork export volume declined 6 percent year-over-year in August to 162,992 mt. USMEF attributed the result, in part, to market access issues in Russia and the China/Hong Kong region. But export value still achieved a 6 percent increase to $529.9 million for the first eight months of the year.
“International buyers are certainly concerned about supplies, and whether we will be able to meet the growing demand for US beef,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. “But price and supply concerns notwithstanding, their enthusiasm for US beef has never been higher. We continue to see an outstanding response to our marketing campaigns and educational seminars informing buyers about the unique attributes of US beef.”
Lamb exports gained momentum in August, USMEF noted. August exports of US lamb rose 4 percent in volume (807 mt) and 15 percent in value ($2.14 million). However, exports were still 19 percent lower in volume (7,210 mt) and down 3 percent in value ($18.94 million) for January through August. USMEF added that growing export markets in the Caribbean, Panama, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates partially offset lower totals for Canada.
