September exports of U.S. pork and beef were higher year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Pork exports are well-positioned to set annual volume and value records in 2024.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom explains Colombia drove much of the pork growth in September, as well as small and medium-sized markets in Central America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
September pork exports totaled 238,047 metric tons, up 8 percent from a year ago, while value increased 6 percent to $685.1 million. Through the first three quarters of the year, pork exports were 5 percent above last year’s pace at 2.23 million mt, with value up 7 percent to $6.36 billion.
Exports of U.S. beef totaled 103,980 mt in September, up 5 percent year-over-year, while export value climbed 6 percent to $843.8 million. January-September exports increased 5 percent in value to $7.82 billion, despite volume falling 2 percent to 960,814 mt.
2025 What Ifs
Halstrom says anytime there’s a presidential election, it creates uncertainty, but the U.S. isn’t the only country to see leadership changes.
“Mexico, the Sheinbaum administration only took over in October of this year. Japan has a new prime minister. You have India, you have Singapore, you have quite a few customers of ours that have new (leaders),” he says. “The uncertainty is something we’re getting used to.”
When asked about potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration, Halstrom is optimistic. He reminds us of three key agreements from the first Trump administration: the U.S. Japan Ag Agreement, China Phase 1 Agreement, and USMCA. He says these agreements leveled the playing field and resulted in more value for U.S. pork, beef, and lamb producers.
“There’s a lot of good things that happened in the first Trump administration, and we’re pretty optimistic that we can continue that momentum in the second one,” Halstrom says.
Meanwhile, the livestock industry remains threatened by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Columbia had placed a ban on beef from 13 affected states beginning April 2024. Columbia lifted those restrictions at the end of September. But recently, backyard hogs out West have contracted the virus. As to how markets are reacting, Halstrom says trading partners continue to follow the science — U.S. meat is safe.
