The U.S. exported 266.2 million lbs. of beef in December, down 10.9 million lbs. (3.9%) from November and 20.0 million lbs. (7.0%) below the previous year. That was the lowest monthly tally since February and the smallest December exports in three years. For 2022, beef exports totaled 3.536 billion lbs., up 105.8 million lbs. (3.1%) from the previous year, fueled by a 16.8% increase in shipments to China.
U.S. pork exports totaled 561.3 million lbs. in December, down 16.7 million lbs. (2.9%) from November but 28.8 million lbs. (5.4%) above year-ago and the second highest tally of the year. For 2022, pork exports totaled 6.337 billion lbs., down 9.8% from the previous year due largely to a 46.6% drop in shipments to China.
USDA forecasts beef exports will decline 12.6% this year to 3.090 billion pounds. Pork shipments are expected to inch up 0.2% to 6.350 billion pounds.
