DENVER — Coming down from July’s positive momentum, US beef exports in August once again fell below year-ago levels, according to data released by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Meanwhile, pork and lamb exports trended higher — with lamb actually posting its largest volume since January.

August beef exports totaled 102,682 tonnes, down 6% from last year and the lowest since January. Export value dropped by 4% to $845.9 million. Despite the downward trend, Mexico’s demand for US beef remained robust in August. Exports also trended higher to Taiwan, the Middle East and the ASEAN region. These boosted shipments were offset by fewer exports to Japan, South Korea and China/Hong Kong.

“Beef demand in our major Asian markets seemed to lose a bit of momentum in August, but exports held up well to Mexico, Taiwan and the Middle East,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and chief executive officer. “The headwinds in Asia remain formidable, but we are encouraged by the region’s ongoing tourism rebound. The late-September removal of Colombia’s restrictions on US beef is also a positive development. While this came too late to impact the August results, it will help bolster fourth-quarter demand in Latin America.”

After five months of prohibiting US exports from certain states that had reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle, Colombia lifted its ban last month.

Fueled by another strong performance from Mexico, US pork exports jumped 6% year-over-year to 238,989 tonnes. With the outstanding postings of pork so far this year, August exports were actually the second lowest of 2024. Export value increased by 8% to $702.9 million. Pork export value was on a record pace through August, and USMEF projects both export volume and value will reach record highs in 2024.

In addition to Mexico’s high demand for pork, exports trended higher to Central and South America, the Caribbean and the ASEAN region. August exports to Malaysia were record-large, while exports to Colombia achieved a value record.

“Mexico was once again the pacesetter for US pork, but demand throughout the Western Hemisphere was outstanding in August,” Halstrom said. “Shipments to South America posted the highest value on record, while exports to Central America and the Caribbean also achieved strong growth. These markets are increasingly competitive, so it is essential that the US industry defends its market share while also developing marketing efforts that help expand overall consumption.”

US lamb exports nearly tripled last year’s August volume, jumping 170% to 288 tonnes. Export value reached $1.16 million, up 70%. These results drove January through August exports 20% above last year’s pace in volume and 23% higher in value. Shipments to the Caribbean and Mexico accounted for most of this growth, but exports also trended higher year-over-year to the Philippines, Canada, Guatemala and Taiwan.