TAGS: Marketing, Overseas
December 18, 2014
According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), April was the best month of the year yet for beef exports in terms of value and pork exports rose in volume and in terms of value from the previous month.
While beef exports in terms of volume declined 8% compared to last year, April export value was $469.6 million – 9% higher than a year ago. From January through April, beef exports were up 6% in value to $1.72 billion and volume was down 10%. "It is important to note that April results are not likely to reflect any change in market access or consumer behavior as a result of the recent BSE case in California, which was announced April 24," notes USMEF.
April exports of U.S. pork were up slightly in volume from a year ago and 4% higher in value, keeping 2012 exports ahead of 2011’s record pace. Through the first four months of the year, pork exports stand 6% higher than last year in volume and 16% higher in value.
"Considering the recovery of domestic supplies in markets such as Korea and China, pork exports have performed remarkably well through the first four months of the year," said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. "Despite fierce competition in Japan, we have increased our market share further this year and nearly topped $700 million in value. USMEF marketing efforts are also contributing to growth in the Western Hemisphere markets - especially in the processing and retail sectors - with Mexico leading the way. Even in our Latin American markets that are quite price-sensitive, U.S. Pork is appealing to more customers than ever before."