LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — U.S. pork exports turned in one of their strongest months on record in March, while beef exports showed a split picture as strong variety meat demand helped offset weakness in muscle cuts. According to USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, pork exports reached 285,567 metric tons, up 6 percent from a year ago.
Pork export value climbed 4 percent to $803.2 million, the second highest on record. USMEF reported stronger March shipments to Mexico, Japan, Central America, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and Taiwan, with first-quarter pork exports up 3 percent in both volume and value from last year.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Pork exports are providing strong support to the hog sector, while beef variety meats are adding critical value despite weaker total beef shipments.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Beef exports were weaker overall. March beef exports totaled 97,731 metric tons, down 11 percent from a year earlier, while value slipped 8 percent to $844.7 million. USMEF said the ongoing loss of business in China remained a major drag, though results improved in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Indonesia.
The strongest beef bright spot was variety meats. March beef variety meat exports jumped 24 percent to 29,062 metric tons, and value surged 50 percent to a record $135.6 million.
USMEF said the beef trade is still finding value in alternative markets, while pork demand remains broad-based across both the Western Hemisphere and key Asian destinations.
HTS Commodities’ Lewis Williamson provides updates on how growers are preparing for spring planting in an unpredictable agricultural landscape.
March 10, 2026 03:45 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains how geopolitical developments in the Middle East can create energy-driven pressures that impact the supply chain and reshape demand for certain ag products.
March 10, 2026 03:27 PM
·
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on current cattle market conditions and shares advice for producers seeking to stay protected in an uncertain market.
March 10, 2026 03:08 PM
·
National Pork Producers Council incoming president Rob Brenneman shares insights from the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, where producers gathered to discuss Farm Bill policy, sustainability, and other priorities for the year ahead.
March 10, 2026 01:44 PM
·
India trade tensions may affect the U.S. export outlook.
March 10, 2026 01:23 PM
·
USDA’s March WASDE report leaves U.S. corn, soybean and wheat ending stocks unchanged while adjusting global production estimates for South America.
March 10, 2026 01:01 PM
·
