WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — A major correction to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) beef export data is highlighting the importance of accurate demand signals during a historically tight cattle market.
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service initially reported beef sales of 126,100 metric tons and exports of 129,000 metric tons for the week ending June 25. Both would have been marketing-year highs and far above normal weekly levels.
The following report corrected those figures. USDA adjusted accumulated beef exports down by nearly 114,000 metric tons, stating those exports were reported in error. The adjustment included previous entries tied to Chile, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, and several other markets.
After the correction, weekly beef activity returned closer to normal levels. The latest report showed sales of 14,000 metric tons and exports of 14,500 metric tons, led by traditional buyers including Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, and Canada.
The correction matters because cattle supplies remain tight, beef prices are elevated, and export demand is closely watched as a measure of competition for available supplies.
