WASHINGTON – US pork, beef and lamb exports set new records in 2011, reaching all-time highs in both volume and value and exceeding $11.5 billion in total value, according to year-end statistics released by US Department of Agriculture and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation.

Totaling 2.255 million metric tons valued at $6.11 billion, pork exports broke the previous volume record of 2.052 million metric tons thus also breaking the value record of $4.88 billion, which were both set in 2008. Pork exports were up 18 percent in volume and 28 percent in value year-over-year.

US beef exports finished the year totaling 1.287 million metric tons valued at $5.42 billion, which broke the 2003 volume record of 1.274 million metric tons and surpassed the 2010 value record of $4.08 billion. Beef export volume was 21 percent more than in 2010, with value up 33 percent.

Meanwhile, lamb exports totaled 18,343 metric tons valued at $30.08 million, which broke the previous 2006 record performance when exports totaled 13,934 metric tons valued at $27.8 million. Lamb export volume was up 72 percent and value increased 46 percent vs. 2010.

All 2011 export statistics for US pork, beef and lamb are available online.