Strong Global Demand for U.S. Red Meat, but Exports Face Transportation and Labor Challenges

U.S. beef and pork exports opened 2021 below the large volumes posted a year ago, according to January data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom notes that January beef exports were very strong to South Korea and continued to gain momentum in China. While pork exports to China declined as expected, shipments increased to a range of markets including Japan, Central America and the Philippines.

While optimistic about the year ahead, Halstrom cautioned that vessel congestion and container shortages at West Coast ports present a significant obstacle for exports. He added that tight labor supplies at processing plants continue to impact production and exports of certain cuts and variety meat items.

A detailed summary of January export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available at www.usmef.org.

Source: USMEF