June U.S. export values for both pork and beef were the highest of the year in June, which also marked the second consecutive month of year-over-year volume growth, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Pork
Pork exports reached 187,939 metric tons in June, up 8 percent from a year ago, while export value increased 11 percent to $505.4 million. For the first half of the year, pork export volume was up 2 percent to 1.1 million metric tons, but value was down 4 percent to $2.77 billion.
Exports accounted for 26 percent of total pork production in June and 22 percent for muscle cuts only – each up one percentage point from a year ago. For January through June, these ratios were 25 percent and 21 percent, respectively, up slightly from last year. Export value per head slaughtered was $52.83 in June – up 10 percent from a year ago. First-half per-head value was $48.34, down 5 percent.
Beef
June beef export volume increased 2 percent from a year ago to 98,920 metric tons, while export value was $545.4 million, down 5 percent. First-half export volume was up 3 percent to 541,547 metric tons, while value fell 10 percent to $2.91 billion.
Exports accounted for 13 percent of total beef production in June and 10 percent for muscle cuts only – each down about 1 percentage point from a year ago. For January through June these ratios were also 13 percent and 10 percent, respectively, steady with last year.
Export value per head of fed cattle slaughter was $250 in June and $249.67 for the first half – each down 14 percent from a year ago.