Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 3/14/11

January exports of U.S. pork and beef in January far exceeded year-ago levels, although both fell behind totals recorded in the previous month, according to data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Pork exports totaled 165,138 metric tons valued at $396.9 million, up 15 percent in volume and 19 percent in value over January 2010. The strong results were driven by demand in northern Asia, with exports to Japan, for example, up 28 percent in volume and 24 percent in value year on year.

Beef exports soared 24 percent in volume (89,673 metric tons) and 43 percent in value ($355.6 million), with steady performances in mainstay markets Mexico and Canada and excellent results in Asia and the Middle East.

"Despite some significant market access issues - some ongoing and some new - our exports performed quite well in January," USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng said in news release. "U.S. meat products continue to command excellent prices throughout the world, which is providing a boost for the American producer and the entire meat industry."

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