From staff reports June exports of U.S beef reached the highest value in nearly two years, according to USDA data compiled by the U.S Meat Export Federation. And, although June pork exports were lower year-over-year, shipments through the first half of the year remained ahead of the record value pace of 2023.
Beef exports totaled 110,155 metric tons in June, down 4% since last year but the second largest of 2024. Beef export value reached $938.3 million, up 3% year-over-year and the highest since August 2022. Through the first half of the year, beef export value climbed 5% from last year to $5.22 billion, despite a 4% decline in volume.
“June beef exports performed very well in Japan, which was great to see given the significant headwinds U.S. beef has faced there this year,” USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said. “Export value also rebounded nicely in Korea, and shipments to Taiwan and Canada were outstanding. This made for another strong month in terms of export value per head slaughtered, which was nearly $460 in June.”
June pork exports totaled 224,392 mt, down 9% from a year ago and the lowest since September, while export value fell 5% to $659.7 million. However, January-June volume still reached 1.52 million mt, 3% above the first half of 2023, while export value increased 5% to $4.26 billion.
“June was a slower month in a few of our key destinations for U.S. pork, including Mexico and Colombia, where exports have been on a blistering pace and buying accelerated again in July,” Halstrom said. “But June was another terrific month for U.S. pork in Korea, where exports could be record-large this year. Shipments also trended higher year-overyear to Central America and Canada, and it was encouraging to see export value per head slaughtered hold firm in the $66 range.”