Strong note for US red meat exports in H1 2021
2021 has presented many formidable challenges for the US red meat industry, including a very tight labor situation, logistical obstacles that slowed product movement and foodservice restrictions in many key markets, observed USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom.
Nevertheless, the industry has finished first half of the year on a strong note regarding exports. Although volume and value eased from the enormous totals posted in April and May, export value was still the highest on record for the month of June and first-half shipments established a record pace for both beef and pork exports.
"USMEF had expected a continued strong performance in June for both beef and pork exports, despite significant headwinds," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "2021 has presented many formidable challenges for the U.S. industry, including a very tight labor situation, logistical obstacles that slowed product movement and foodservice restrictions in many key markets. So the fact that first-half exports reached record levels speaks to the loyalty of our international customer base, strong consumer demand for high-quality, nutritious U.S. red meat and the U.S. industry’s ability to adapt to a challenging and rapidly changing business climate. We have also seen a welcome rebound in beef and pork variety meat volumes, which had been down last year."
June beef exports totaled 112,249 tonnes, up 42% from a year ago when exports were still hampered by a COVID-related slowdown in production. Export value was $804.4 million, up 68% from a year ago and the third highest on record after April and May of this year. First-half exports reached 700,087 tonnes, up 18% from a year ago, valued at $4.64 billion (up 28%). Compared to 2018, the record year for US beef exports, first-half results were up 6% in volume and 15% in value.
Pork exports reached 238,935 tonnes in June, up 15% from a year ago, while export value climbed 35% to $696.8 million. First-half pork exports topped last year’s record pace by 1% at 1.58 million tonnes, valued at $4.33 billion (up 7%).
Japan was the leading destination for June beef exports in both volume (24,864 tonnes, up 20% from a year ago) and value (up 28%).
June exports accounted for 29.4% of total pork production and 25.5% of muscle cuts, both up significantly from a year ago. In the first half, exports accounted for 31.4% of total pork production (steady with last year) and 28.1% for muscle cuts (down one-half percentage point from a year ago). Mexico emerged as the top market for total pork exports in June at 70,582 tonnes, up 45% from a year ago, while export value more than doubled to $149.4 million (up 112%). First-half exports to Mexico climbed 22% from a year ago to 396,329 tonnes, valued at $789.5 million (up 45%).
June exports of US lamb were 37% below last year at 1,083 tonnes, but still managed a slight increase in value to $1.6 million. For the first half of the year, lamb exports increased 25% from a year ago to 6,816 tonnes, valued at $9.1 million (up 14%). Export growth was fueled mainly by strong demand for both muscle cuts and variety meat in Mexico, as well as larger muscle cut shipments to Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago and Canada.
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