Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 7/12/16


U.S. red meat exports gained momentum in May with beef and pork shipments increasing significantly year-over-year and reaching 2016 highs, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by USMEF.

Beef
May beef export volume rose 12 percent from a year ago to 99,451 metric tons. Export value ($533.3 million) was 4 percent lower than a year ago but still the highest since July 2015. For January through May, export volume moved 3 percent ahead of last year’s pace at 442,627 metric tons, while value was down 11 percent to $2.37 billion.

Exports accounted for 14 percent of total beef production in May and 11 percent for muscle cuts only — each up about 1 percentage point from a year ago. For January through May, these ratios were 13 percent and 10 percent, respectively, about even with last year’s pace. Export value per head of fed slaughter was $264.98 in May and $249.67 for January through May — down 9 percent and 14 percent, respectively, from a year ago.

Pork
Pork exports reached 199,193 metric tons in May, up 8 percent from a year ago, while export value increased 3 percent to $501.7 million. Both totals were the highest since April 2015. For January through May, pork export volume was 1 percent ahead of last year’s pace at 921,838 metric tons, valued at $2.27 billion — down 6 percent.

Exports accounted for 28 percent of total pork production in May and 24 percent for muscle cuts only — up slightly from a year ago. For January through May, these ratios were 25 percent and 21 percent, respectively, which was steady with last year.

Export value per head slaughtered was $54.66 in May (down 2 percent from a year ago) and $47.44 for January through May (down 8 percent).

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