U.S. Meat Export Federation - USMEF
With U.S. pork facing trade barriers in some of its largest destinations, building strong demand in Central America and the Dominican Republic has been especially critical for the U.S. pork industry.
Pork export value averaged $50.58 per head slaughtered in April, down 13% from a year ago but the highest in 10 months. For January to April, export value averaged $47.25 per head, down 15% from the same period in 2018.
Pork exports totaled 211,688 mt in March, down 7% from a year ago, valued at $520.7 million (down 15%). First quarter exports were 6% below last year’s pace in volume and down 14% in value, says USMEF.
Due to export volume already exceeding 130% of the tariff rate quota (TRQ) included in the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, higher tariff rates on U.S. pork were applied April 1 and will remain in effect through the end of this year.
With China being by far the world’s largest pork-producing and pork-consuming country, ASF’s entry into China is certainly an issue of major concern for China’s massive pork industry.
Pork exports in May were steady with last year’s pace, while value increased 1% to $567.8 million – the highest monthly value total since April 2018.
At the Latin American Product Showcase, more than 60 USMEF exporting member companies participated, displaying and promoting U.S. beef, pork and lamb products. The event attracted more than 190 buyers from 23 countries.
Taiwan is a rapidly growing market for U.S. pork and beef—
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Economist Erin Borror says recent trade developments with Japan, Mexico and Canada, are very important breakthroughs for the U.S. red meat industry.
Meat labeling, documentation and other technical issues still present significant obstacles to growing beef and pork exports in several South American markets.
Convenience stores account for a rapidly increasing share of food sales across the world, including in Mexico.
U.S. pork exports continued to gain momentum in November while beef exports also showed signs of a rebound, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Group says much of the strength in first quarter beef shipments were due to a dip in the Australian cattle cycle.