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.
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
January 29, 2026 12:44 PM
·
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
January 29, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
January 29, 2026 06:00 AM
·
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
January 28, 2026 01:49 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
January 28, 2026 01:36 PM
·
Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
·
