LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD News) — U.S. beef exports held steady in volume during July while value increased, showing continued strength in overseas demand despite ongoing market-access problems in China. Pork exports moved lower as trade restrictions disrupted variety-meat shipments.
Beef exports totaled 89,139 metric tons, unchanged from last July, while value climbed 6% to $796.7 million. Taiwan, Mexico, Japan and several Western Hemisphere markets supported gains. Export value reached just over $421 per head of fed slaughter.
Through July, beef exports were down 8% in volume and 2% in value. Excluding China, however, export value increased 6%, and volume slipped just 1%, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Pork exports totaled 224,305 metric tons, down 6% from last year, with value also falling 6% to $641.8 million. Restrictions tied to pseudorabies virus disrupted shipments, especially variety meats.
Year-to-date pork exports remained 2% above last year at 1.73 million metric tons, while value increased 1% to $4.86 billion.
