Exports of U.S. beef posted their second largest month of the year in July, according to the latest data from USDA.
The numbers show about 110,000 metric tons globally exported, up 7 percent. The value is at 910 million metric tons, a 12 percent growth.
U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says the figures are encouraging.
“Mexico continues to be very strong, but for the first time in quite a while, we’ve seen a bit of a spark out of Asia, led by both Taiwan and Japan,” he says. “So considering the headwinds on exchange rate, with the case of Japan in particular, and to see growth of 14% year-on-year, at 22,000 tons and 17% growth on value at $175 million into Japan, to me this is very encouraging.”
Large shipments to Mexico led the way as July pork exports also trended higher by 10 percent.
“As we’ve been talking for the last year, Mexico continues to be strong,” Halstrom says. “A big month in Mexico, over 100,000 tons and almost $245 million.”
The export numbers show some momentum moving into the second half of the year.
“I think Latin America, we have every reason to believe that these trend lines on pork, but even on beef
as well, Mexico should continue and Central America and South America, I think, are on similar tracks
for continued growth,” Halstrom says. “And if you look at the beef side, you know, Latin America, led by Mexico, has been strong. I think that has a good opportunity to continue.”
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