Mixed Report on Meat Exports
Beef and pork sales are down while lamb exports are significantly higher.
Compiled by staff
Published: Aug 14, 2009
The U.S. Meat Export Federation reports the lingering global economic slump and low prices for domestic beef and pork products in key export markets contributed to declines in both U.S. beef and pork exports in June, while lamb exports continue to enjoy a strong year.
Through the first six months of the year, pork exports remain 9% behind 2008 in terms of volume and 7% in value. More than 2 billion pounds of pork and pork variety meat valued at nearly $2.2 billion have been exported. However, pork variety meat exports are up 27% in volume and their value is up 29%. But, in June, combined pork and pork variety meat exports were down 31% in June.
The federation reports U.S. beef exports are down only 2% in volume and 6% in value for the first half of 2009, reaching nearly one billion pounds with a value of almost $1.5 billion. For the month, beef export volumes slipped 13% and the value fell 16%. Beef muscle cuts increased 2.5% in volume while the value slipped just over 4%. This was the largest monthly beef muscle cut export volume since last October.
U.S. beef variety meat exports are down 12% in volume to almost 333 million pounds for the first six months while their value slipped 26% to almost $276 million. During June, exports of beef variety meat were down 40% from last June.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation reports the export market for U.S. lamb and lamb variety meat continues to shine. For the first six months of 2009, export volumes are up 58% and valued at $13.9 million. That's a 22% jump over 2008. For the month of June, export volumes are up 119% and the value is up 106%.
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