BEEF ABROAD BEEF EXPORTS BELOW RECORD-LARGE, YEAR-AGO TOTALS from the U.S. Meat Export Federation While well below the record-large volume and value posted in May 2022, beef exports improved from April and were the second largest (behind March) of 2023. Beef exports totaled 116,159 metric ton (mt), down 14 percent from the May 2022 record but up 4 percent from the previous month. Export value was $874.7 million, down 19 percent yearover-year but 2 percent above April. For January through May, beef exports were down 10 percent to 554,069 mt, valued at $4.09 billion (down 21 percent). “U.S. beef exports face considerable headwinds in 2023, on both the supply and demand side, especially when compared to last year’s massive totals,” Halstrom said. “To address tighter beef supplies, USMEF has heightened efforts to showcase underutilized cuts, even in our well-established markets. It’s also encouraging to see beef variety meat exports maintain a strong pace, as this is essential for maximizing carcass value.” For many major markets, May exports of U.S. beef trended below last year’s record-setting totals. But Mexico was a strong exception, with shipments climbing 9 percent to 17,254 mt, valued at $94.2 million (up 14 percent). Through the first five months of the year, exports to Mexico were 13 percent above last year’s pace at 82,166 mt, with value up 17 percent to $459.6 million. Mexico is the largest volume destination for U.S. beef variety meat, with exports through May increasing 16 percent to 42,613 mt. Export value climbed 20 perent to $120.4 million. May beef exports lower overall, but strengthen in North America and Taiwan While below last year’s large volume, May
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exports of beef variety meat were the largest in 12 months at 26,961 mt, with value the highest since November at $99.5 million. In addition to Mexico (see above), variety meat exports trended higher to South Korea, South Africa, Hong Kong and Central America. While still below last year, exports to Japan were the largest of 2023 at 4,287 mt. For January through May, beef variety meat exports were 5 percent below last year at 117,611 mt, while value fell 15 percent to $448.2 million. For the first time in 2023, May beef exports to Taiwan exceeded last year’s volume, climbing 9 percent to 6,142 mt – the largest since April 2022 and the ninth highest on record. Export value was $59.6 million, down 7 percent from a year ago but the largest since August. For January through May, exports to Taiwan were down 16 percent from a year ago to 26,534 mt, valued at $259.8 million (down 31 percent). Other January-May export results for U.S. beef include: • May beef exports to Canada totaled 11,319 mt, up 17 percent from a year ago and the largest since December 2021. Export value increased 23 percent to $95.6 million, the highest in ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 68