Beef Exports Very Strong During The First Half Of 2021

U.S. Beef exports were very strong during the first half of 2021. According to the U.S Meat Export Federation, exports through June reached 700,087 metric tons, up 18% from the same time period a year ago, with a value of $4.64 billion, up 28% from last year. USMEF Economist Erin Borror said the beef export numbers are incredibly encouraging, especially because of the on-again-off-again nature of the food service sector in the largest overseas markets.

"Consumer demand for U.S. beef, even when consumption is trending more towards retail, is still incredibly strong, especially in places like Korea where they are importing again another record volume of chilled U.S. beef.  And China being the biggest volume increase on the beef side."

Borror noted they’ve seen substantial growth this year in both Japan and Taiwan, adding exports for just the month of June totaled 112,200 metric tons, up 42% year-over-year.

Borror added pork demand has been very strong this year as well, and much of that growth has taken place outside of China.

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