U.S. red meat exports see strong performance in November

November exports of U.S. red meat posted year-over-year gains across all categories, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. U.S. pork exports remained on a record pace, while beef and lamb shipments also increased substantially from November 2023.

Pork exports totaled 272,141 metric tons in November, up 5% from a year ago, while export value increased 6% to just under $783 million. These results included an especially strong month for pork muscle cut exports, which increased 6% to 221,652 mt. Muscle cut export value was the third highest on record at $671.4 million. Export value per head slaughtered was $72.20 in November, up 9% from a year ago and the highest since April.

“Another terrific month for pork demand in Mexico and throughout the Western Hemisphere,” noted USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “It was also encouraging to see exports trend higher to Japan and sustain strong growth in Oceania and Southeast Asia.”

Through the first 11 months of 2024, pork exports were also up 5% year-over-year in volume (2.76 million mt) and 6% in value ($7.85 billion). When December results are available, exports will exceed 3 million mt for the first time, topping the previous high (2.98 million mt) reached in 2020. Export value will exceed $8.5 billion, easily surpassing the 2023 record of $8.16 billion. Pork exports to Central America and Colombia already set annual records and exports are on a record pace to Mexico and the Caribbean. Export value will also be the highest on record for Oceania.

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November beef exports increased 10% year-over-year to 109,288 mt, while value climbed 11% to $872.7 million. Export value per head of fed slaughter equated to $428.70 in November, up 13% from a year ago and the highest since June.

“Despite continued economic headwinds in Asia, November demand for U.S. beef strengthened in South Korea, China and Taiwan, and exports were fairly steady to Japan,” Halstrom said. “The strong performance in Mexico and outstanding demand for variety meat in Egypt were also critical for bolstering carcass value.”

November beef exports also increased substantially year-over-year to the Caribbean, ASEAN and Central America. For January through November, beef exports increased 5% in value ($9.56 billion) from the same period in 2023, despite a 1% decline in volume (1.18 million mt).

November exports of U.S. lamb totaled 130 mt, up 13% from the low volume posted a year ago, while value increased 8% to $881,000. Growth was led by larger shipments to Mexico, while exports also edged higher to the Bahamas and Netherlands Antilles. Lamb muscle cut exports to Mexico totaled 69 mt, up 35% from a year ago and the highest in five months.

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Through November, lamb exports increased 12% year-over-year to 2,428 mt, valued at just over $13 million (up 13%), led by growth in the Caribbean (mainly the Bahamas and Leeward-Windward Islands), Mexico, the Philippines and Guatemala. Lamb muscle cut exports to Mexico totaled 695 mt, up 18% and the highest since 2017, as a wider range of cuts – including loin, shoulder and flap meat – gained traction with importers.

A detailed summary of the January-November export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website .