Pork Exports Gain Momentum; Beef Export Value Sets Annual Record

November exports of U.S. pork reached a 2022 high in both volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Even though November beef exports were below the large year-ago totals, 2022 export value has already set a full-year record of nearly $11 billion.

Pork's Record-Shattering Performance 

Pork exports reached 245,663 metric tons (mt) in November, up 3% from a year ago, USMEF reports, while export value climbed 10% to $725.1 million. In both volume and value, exports were the highest since May 2021. For January through November, pork exports were 10% below the previous year at 2.43 million mt, valued at just under $7 billion (down 7%).

Thanks to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, pork exports were record-large in November, with shipments to Mexico topping $200 million for the second consecutive month, USMEF notes. In addition, exports also trended higher year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, South Korea and the Philippines.

“I cannot say enough about the tremendous performance of the Mexican market and its importance to the U.S. pork industry,” USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said in a release. “U.S. pork faces heightened competition in Mexico, especially with the recent suspension of import duties. But U.S. industry efforts to educate the trade and consumers about the outstanding quality, consistency and value of U.S. pork continue to pay dividends and elevate overall demand."

Pork variety meat exports continue to see dramatic growth, up more than 25% year-over-year. Halstrom said the rebound in pork variety meat exports is excellent news for the U.S. and reflects broad-based demand growth and an improved labor situation.

"The dominant player volume-wise, of course, is China, with things like stomachs, tongues and hearts, etc. But it's not the only outlet," Halstrom said. "Mexico is also big in pork feet and stomachs. The Philippines is big, Canada, and you have product as well going to Japan and Central America. So I think similar to the to the muscle cut side, the theme here on the variety meat side is the diversification aspect of variety meats appears to be working very well."

Beef Export Value Sets Records 

November beef exports totaled 115,777 mt, down 6% from the previous year’s large volume, USMEF reports, while export value declined nearly 20% to $846.6 million. However, through the first 11 months of 2022, beef export value still increased 14% year-over-year to $10.9 billion, topping the full-year record ($10.58 billion) set in 2021. January-November export volume was 1.36 million mt, up 3% from the record pace of 2021. 

Through November, U.S. beef exports already set full-year value records in several markets. This includes South Korea and China/Hong Kong, where exports topped $2.5 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively. Taiwan, the Philippines and Singapore also reached new annual highs in export value. 

“Similar to the previous month, November results for U.S. beef exports reflected severe headwinds in our large Asian markets,” Halstrom said in a release. “Key currencies in the region were still slumping, which impacted the buying power of importers and consumers. COVID cases and lockdowns in China were also intensifying, prompting widespread protests and the eventual lifting of many restrictions. But the U.S. dollar mainly peaked in late October and early November and global demand has remained relatively strong. Even with a high level of economic uncertainty, 2022 has been a fantastic year for U.S. beef exports and the outlook for the coming year remains positive.” 

Lamb Muscle Cut Demand Bolstered by Mexico and Canada 

November exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts more than doubled the year-ago volume, reaching 247 mt (up 129%), while export value increased 72% to $1.38 million. For January through November, exports increased 72% to 2,125 mt, valued at $12.5 million (up 61%), USMEF reports.

Although 2022 growth was mostly driven by strong demand in the Caribbean, USMEF notes November exports were bolstered by larger shipments to Mexico and Canada. 

A detailed summary of the January-November export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.