“There is no question that challenges persist, such as the continued closure of the Russian market, but we are seeing positive signs from key markets, including Japan and Mexico, that are vital trading partners for our industry,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO.

A positive growth metric in June was the per-head export value recorded for both beef and pork. Beef export value was a record $260.21 per head of fed slaughter, a $56.31 increase over June of 2012. For pork, the per-head export value was $57.27 in June versus $54.78 last year.

Top performing beef export markets in June (by volume) were Japan (+66 percent), Hong Kong (+156 percent), Mexico (+14 percent), Taiwan (+400 percent) and Central/South America (+62 percent; growth mainly to Peru and Chile). The absence of exports to Russia continues to be felt, as the 5,903 metric tons of beef exported there last June made it the No. 6 market for U.S. beef.

“We are focused on the markets where we can take advantage of opportunities, such as expanded access for U.S. beef in Japan, the rebound in Taiwan and continued growth of the Hong Kong and Central/South America markets,” said Seng.

“At the same time, we continue relationship-building in Russia for when that market reopens, and stand ready to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality beef in China when access can be restored for the first time since 2003.”

For the year, U.S. beef exports are down 1 percent in volume at 542,560 metric tons but 6 percent higher in value at $2.83 billion. Total beef exports (muscle cuts plus variety meat) accounted for 13.6 percent of U.S. beef production in June, up from 12 percent last year. For the year they account for 12.4 percent of production, about the same as last year.

June beef muscle cut exports accounted for 11 percent of production (up from 10 percent in June 2012). For the first half of the year, exports accounted for 9.6 percent of beef muscle cut production, about the same as last year.

Pork exports for the first half of 2013 are down 7 percent in volume and value to 1.05 million metric tons valued at $2.94 billion. Total pork exports (muscle cuts plus variety meat) accounted for 28 percent of total U.S. pork production in June versus 26 percent last year. For the year they equate to 26 percent of production versus 28 percent in 2012.

Lamb exports continue to be led by Mexico and Canada. For the year, total lamb exports are up 17 percent in volume to 7,263 metric tons valued at $15.7 million, a 25 percent jump. 

—From U.S. Meat Export Federation news release