Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 12/1/10

USDA raised its export forecasts for beef and pork in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2011, but lowered its poultry export forecast in its Outlook for U.S. Agriculture Trade report.

USDA raised its forecast for livestock, poultry, and dairy exports by $1.2 billion to $23 billion, with gains in all but poultry in its quarterly report compared to its previous forecast issued in August.

Beef exports were forecast at $3.7 billion, up $500 million on higher unit values and volumes. Despite lower beef production, strong Asian demand is expected to foster more shipments, USDA reported.

Pork exports were forecast to reach $4.6 billion, up $100 million, on higher unit values as demand remains firm in major markets.

Modest gains are expected in hides and skins, raised $300 million, as improving global economic conditions bolster demand. Escalating unit values for feed and lower cattle slaughter should support higher animal fat values, forecast $300 million higher.

Poultry product exports were forecast down $300 million from the August forecast to $4.7 billion, primarily on lower broiler meat unit values as domestic production expands.

Imports
USDA lowered its forecast of beef and veal imports to $3.1 billion from $3.3 billion forecast in August. That is still a more than $200 million rise in U.S. beef imports in 2011 over 2010, in part due to tight supplies of domestic processing beef.

The forecast for cattle imports for 2011 at 2.1 million head, was 2 percent lower than in 2010 due to decreased cattle inventories in Canada and Mexico.

Overall, livestock and meat imports are projected to increase by $550 million in 2011.

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