Beef exports set new monthly record in Taiwan; chilled exports continue to shine

October beef exports were highlighted by a record performance in Taiwan, where volume was up 90 percent from a year ago to 11.4 million pounds. This pushed January-October exports to Taiwan to 77.7 million pounds (up 20 percent year-over-year) valued at $284.9 million, up 7 percent and on track for a new record.October exports were also outstanding to Japan, where volume soared 40 percent to 44.2 million pounds valued at $119.8 million (up 34 percent). January-October exports to Japan were up 21 percent in volume (471 million pounds) and 13 percent in value ($1.24 billion). Japan’s October imports of chilled U.S. beef exceeded chilled imports from Australia for the second consecutive month.In Korea, October exports were 37.2 million pounds (up 63 percent year-over-year) valued at $98.8 million (up 68 percent). January-October exports to Korea were 307.7 million pounds valued at $814.2 million, up 36 percent and 21 percent, respectively, from a year ago. Export value to Korea is on pace to exceed the 2014 record of $847.4 million, and with a strong finish could approach the $1 billion mark in 2016.Chilled beef exports to both Japan and Korea have excelled in 2016, with shipments to both markets up nearly 40 percent year-over-year. Through October, chilled exports were the largest on record to Korea and the largest to Japan since 2003.