Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 1/16/12

Exports of pork and beef both are on record-setting pace for the full year 2011 as November export statistics demonstrate, according to new statistics released by USDA and compiled by U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Pork exports totaled 217,080 metric tons valued at $597.85 million — up 22.5 percent and 35 percent, respectively, compared with November 2010 levels. For the total volume January to November, USMEF reports 2.04 million metric tons (up 18 percent year-over-year) and the value total to $5.526 billion (up 27 percent). This puts U.S. pork export value, which had never reached $5 billion before this year, on pace to approach the $6 billion mark in 2011.

November beef exports reached 105,268 metric tons valued at $456.25 million. This was steady with the October 2011 volume and up slightly in value. On a year-over-year basis, November exports were up 4 percent in volume and 17 percent higher in value from the very strong totals recorded in November 2010.

For the January to November period, exports totaled 22 percent higher in volume than a year ago to 1.179 million metric tons, and up 35 percent in value to $4.944 billion. When December results become available, beef export value also will eclipse the $5 billion mark for the first time ever.

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November pork exports equated to nearly 29 percent of total production (including variety meat). In terms of muscle cuts only, exports still totaled 24 percent of total production. Export value per head slaughtered set a new monthly record at $59.98, which was $15 higher than a year ago.

Through November, the percentage of total production exported for the year was 27 percent, or 23 percent when including only muscle cuts. This compares to 23.7 percent and 19 percent for the same period in 2010. Export value for the year averaged $55.21 per head, compared to $43.72 per head a year ago.

Exports volume to Mexico was lower in November at 47,295 metric tons (down 12 percent) but value remained steady at $94.7 million. Despite volume for the year being down 3 percent to 477,221 metric tons, Mexico remains the leading volume destination for U.S. pork. Export value for the year ($925.3 million) was up 4 percent from 2010’s record pace, and by year’s end may break $1 billion for the first time.
November results pushed pork exports to Canada to new record totals in both volume (188,250 metric tons, up 14 percent) and value ($673.8 million, up 20 percent). Other markets that have topped their previous records in 2011 include Australia (58,631 metric tons valued at $187.8 million) and Central-South America (66,352 metric tons valued at $171.3 million).

More on beef
November beef exports equated to 14 percent of total production when including variety meat, or 11 percent for muscle cuts only. This was consistent with the 2011 average but up significantly from the 2010 ratios of 11.7 percent for total production and 9 percent for muscle cuts. November exports equated to $219.73 per head of fed slaughter, up $41.50 from a year ago. For the year through November, export value averaged $204.27 per head — more than $50 higher than the previous year’s average.

Beef exports to Canada posted another strong month, solidifying it as the leading value destination for 2011 and ensuring a $1 billion performance by year’s end. For January through November, exports to Canada totaled 174,122 metric tons (up 27 percent) valued at $940.5 million (up 43 percent).

Mexico is still the volume leader for U.S. beef exports, despite a slight slowdown in volume in November. Export volume in November was down 4 percent to 21,884 metric tons, but value still climbed 6 percent to $84.6 million (trailing only Japan). For the year, exports to Mexico were up 5 percent in volume to 234,888 metric tons and were 23 percent higher in value to $902.8 million.

“There is much to be excited about this year with regard to U.S. beef exports,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “We are gaining back valuable market share in Asia and taking exports to new heights in other regions across the globe. Demand for U.S. beef has never been greater, and this is generating a lot of momentum for 2012.”

Complete 2011 export statistics through November are available online.

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