U.S. Beef Exports Lower In 2020, December Rebounds

Export ship
Export ship
(File)

U.S. beef exports finished 2020 down 5% in both volume and value, according to USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. However, beef exports finished the year on an upswing, with fourth quarter volume up 4.4% from 2019 and posting one of the best months on record in December.

December beef exports totaled 119,892 mt, up 8% from December 2019 and the largest in nearly 10 years. Export value was $744 million, up 9% from a year ago and the second highest total on record.

In total, beef export volume totaled 1.25 million metric tons (mt) in 2020, and value was $7.65 billion. Beef exports to China were record-large in 2020 and a new volume record was also achieved in Taiwan.

"Obviously the surge in demand from China, especially in the first half of 2020, was a driving force behind the record performance for U.S. pork exports," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "But China was not the only success story in 2020, as exports achieved growth in a broad range of markets. Diversifying export markets is a top priority for USMEF and the U.S. industry, and that strategy paid dividends - especially in the fourth quarter, when exports to China/Hong Kong were down 9% from 2019 but shipments to the rest of the world nearly offset that slowdown."

Beef exports were heavily impacted by foodservice restrictions in many major markets but trended higher late in the year, bolstered by very strong retail and holiday demand.

"Consumers across the world responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by seeking high-quality products they could enjoy at home, and U.S. beef and pork definitely met this need," Halstrom said. "We expect these retail and home-delivery demand trends to continue even as sit-down restaurant dining recovers, creating robust opportunities for U.S. red meat export growth."

U.S. pork exports reached nearly 3 million mt in 2020, a record by 11% over 2019. Pork export value reached $7.71 billion, also a record.

 

Latest News

AFIA Objects to EPA’s Draft Risk Evaluation of Formaldehyde
AFIA Objects to EPA’s Draft Risk Evaluation of Formaldehyde

The American Feed Industry Association says formaldehyde has been "safely used in the U.S. animal food industry for over 40 years via accurate automated equipment."

Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends
Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends

The Meat Institute and FMI-The Food Industry Association released the 19th annual Power of Meat report.

Cattle Imports from Mexico
Cattle Imports from Mexico

Mexico has become one of the major beef import sources for the U.S. as beef trade evolved from simply supplementing deficit beef production in Mexico to bilateral, product specific trade between the two countries.

Markets: Cash Cattle Markets Nearing Historic Highs
Markets: Cash Cattle Markets Nearing Historic Highs

All classes of cattle sold at higher prices for the week and most are at or near record highs. Supplies of all classes remain extremely tight.

International Genetic Solutions Debuts New Informational Resource
International Genetic Solutions Debuts New Informational Resource

International Genetic Solutions (IGS) recently unveiled a new information resource and video platform for important beef industry topics pertinent to producers’ bottom lines.

Sage_Grouse_Booming
Ranchers Urge BLM to Incorporate Latest Science in New Sage Grouse Plans

NCBA and PLC are requesting that BLM significantly extend the comment period deadlines while ranchers and other local stakeholders evaluate these lengthy proposals.