DENVER — U.S. lamb exports continued their strong pace through October, exceeding the 2008 volume by more than 50% and surpassing last year’s value by 13%, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Although the Caribbean remains the mainstay market in terms of value, a near tripling of lamb export volume to Mexico has been a major contributor to this year’s performance, U.S.M.E.F. relays. January-October lamb plus lamb variety meat export value exceed $23.3 million and is on pace to match the all-time record of $27.8 million set in 2006.