Latest News From U.S. Meat Export Federation - USMEF

In a significant development for the U.S. pork industry, the Philippines has announced the extension of reduced tariff rates on imported pork through the end of 2024.

February U.S. pork and beef exports totals and values mixed, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the USMEF, with momentum continuing for pork and beef slightly lower year-over-year.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the speaker lineup and registration details for its 2023 Spring Conference, which is set for May 24-26 in Minneapolis. 

Some U.S. pork cuts—the jowl and loin—see a rise in popularity in Mexico with the help of product research and development and educational seminars.

Growing demand in a mature market isn’t easy. USMEF’s Gerardo Rodriguez told Pork Leadership Institute participants that it requires creating new channels and new products during their recent trip to Mexico City.

U.S. pork and beef export markets may have unique opportunties in 2023, capitalizing on the competetive opportunity for U.S. pork exports in key markets and diversifying the portfolio of U.S. beef products.

A recent USDA trade mission to Kenya determined that ecommerce in the area, post-COVID, has huge growth potential and signs of demand for U.S. red meat products.

With trade opportunities and negotiations soon to begin, two key trade representative positions sit empty awaiting Senate approval for the nominations.

With the announcement of Brazilian pork exports eligible in Mexico, USMEF’s Erin Borror weighs in on how it might affect U.S. exports to the country.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference is underway, addressing the industry's obstacles related to the sluggish global economy, weakening currencies and drought effected producers.

USMEF to honor former head of the USTR and co-founder of “Where Food Comes From” for contributions to the U.S. red meat industry.

News is circulating that it may be the last time McDonald's has the McRib on its menu. While a farewell tour may be underway, the University of Nebraska's Meat Sciences Department created the technology behind the McRib.

U.S. red meat suppliers met face-to-face with buyers from the Philippines and Vietnam, adding a personal connection between USMEF members and exporters with importers and processors.

The U.S. pork industry has reason to celebrate after the August export stats came out with some good news for pork. August exports topped year-ago totals for the first time in 2022.

Mexico’s duty suspension is likely to benefit European pork and Brazilian poultry, while beef imports remain relatively unchanged.

While U.S. pork and beef exports have achieved impressive volumes in 2021, port congestion and other shipping obstacles continue to frustrate exporters.

U.S. meat production faced challenges in April and May as packing plants implemented worker safety measures for COVID-19, causing concern about available supplies. But production has rebounded in recent weeks.

German Navarrete, a USMEF corporate chef based in Mexico, recently developed a U.S. meat cutting demonstration utilizing virtual reality technology that uses 360-degree video images representing various meat cuts.

USMEF submitted comments identifying barriers that inhibit U.S. red meat exports to Kenya, which are explained in more detail by Cheyenne McEndaffer, USMEF director of export services, in the audio clip below.

While the COVD-19 pandemic hasn't slowed international consumers' enthusiasm for U.S. pork and beef, it has altered their buying behavior and changed the way the U.S. meat industry communicates with consumers.

U.S. companies that export red meat to Canada now face simpler and clearer requirements, thanks to a joint initiative by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

U.S. pork exports posted the third largest month on record in February while U.S. beef exports also recorded double-digit gains from a year ago, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF.

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has updated its Export Library for China to reflect expanded access for U.S. beef and pork. These changes were negotiated in the U.S.-China "Phase One" trade agreement.

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom explains that when implemented, USMCA will solidify trade relations in North America and preserve duty-free access to Canada and Mexico for U.S. pork, beef and lamb.

Host Chip Flory and USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom chatted about opportunity for exports and exciting future plans this week on AgriTalk.

Data from USMEF show pork exports in 2019 hit new records in both volume and value, reaching almost $7 billion.

The Latin American Product Showcase saw a mix of current and new customers from emerging markets where the U.S. has been working to grow demand for U.S. red meat, says USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom.

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.

Despite significant import restrictions, Australia is currently one of the fastest-growing markets for U.S. pork.

Taiwan is a rapidly growing market for U.S. pork and beef—

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.

Mexico is the largest volume destination for U.S. pork exports and the third-largest export market for U.S. beef.

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.

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.

Despite a 20% retaliatory duty on most U.S. pork entering Mexico, most customers there remain optimistic.

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.

Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the North American Meat Institute reflects on her first visit to two of the leading destinations for U.S. beef and pork – Japan and South Korea.

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.

It is extremely important for rapid progress to be made in these negotiations if U.S. beef and pork are to remain competitive in the largest value destination for U.S. red meat, says Dan Halstrom, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) president and CEO.

Meat labeling, documentation and other technical issues still present significant obstacles to growing beef and pork exports in several South American markets.

Despite other countries' trade agreements with Japan, the U.S. is successfully promoting U.S. beef and pork to Asian marketers through new dishes and fresh ideas.

January exports of U.S. beef and pork were slightly below last year’s volume levels while export value posted mixed results, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

2018 was a record-breaking year for U.S. exports to the Philippines, with pork exports up 23% in volume and beef exports up 39%.

Convenience stores account for a rapidly increasing share of food sales across the world, including in Mexico.

At some point this year, Congress is expected to vote on the USMCA agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada. The agreement still needs an up or down vote from both chambers of Congress.

Despite significant headwinds, 2018 pork exports reached 2.44 million metric tons – just 0.5% below the 2017 record.

With support from the Beef Checkoff Program and the USDA Market Access Program, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, promotes U.S. beef at the Gulfood trade show

While China has seen some decline in consumer demand for pork, this is likely temporary, given that pork is such a longstanding and important staple of the Chinese diet. Does that leave opportunity for the U.S.?

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership took effect Dec. 30, making Vietnam a promising but highly competitive market for U.S. beef and pork.