Global trade is continuing to impact cattle and hog prices in Iowa and across the entire country. Exports of U.S. pork and beef trended lower in May, due primarily to steep declines in shipments to China, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said that, in April and the first half of May, China’s total tariff rate on U.S. pork peaked at 172%, while the rate for U.S. beef was 147%.
Even following a May 14 joint announcement temporarily easing tariffs for 90 days, China’s rates still stand at 57% for U.S. pork and 32% for U.S. beef. In addition, most U.S. beef production is ineligible due to China’s failure to renew expiring beef plant and cold storage facility registrations.
While the China trade situation is bringing exports down, Halstrom said that markets like Korea are still offering some bright spots.
May pork exports strengthened in many Western Hemisphere. Shipments increased year-over-year to Mexico, Central America and Colombia, and were record-large to Cuba. Pork exports to all of these markets are on a record pace in 2025.
For more information, visit usmef.org.
