U.S. Meat Export Federation - USMEF

According to the latest USDA data released from the U.S. Meat Export Federation, beef exports to China dropped 70% in April and pork exports fell 35%. With trade talks ongoing, there is optimism for the remainder of the year.

U.S. Meat Export Federation released a study this week showing pork exports accounted for more than 100 million bushels of soybean demand last year. For corn, 525 million bushels were consumed by the beef and pork exported in 2024.

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says the increases were driven by diversification of export markets and delivered a value of $66 per head slaughtered on pork.

Threats of widespread tariffs and concerns about retaliation continue to stoke uneasiness in agriculture. With a growing trade deficit and hopes the U.S. could re-embark on the Phase One trade deal with China, could the focus back on trade be positive for agriculture?

It’s one thing to read about it, but it’s another thing to travel across the ocean and experience it for yourself. That’s why Jackie Ponder decided to join a trade mission to Vietnam focused on the benefits of U.S. pork and high oleic soybean cooking oil.