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.
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
November 06, 2025 11:16 AM
·
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
November 06, 2025 10:53 AM
·
The Court may limit emergency tariff powers, complicating a key bargaining tool; ag could see shifts in input costs and export dynamics as China, Brazil, and India talks evolve.
November 06, 2025 10:04 AM
·
U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics with global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level.
November 05, 2025 01:02 PM
·
Host of
RealAg Radio Shaun Haney discusses how the proposed reductions to agriculture programs in Canada’s new budget could affect research and support programs that farmers need.
November 05, 2025 12:40 PM
·
RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.
November 04, 2025 01:20 PM
·
