Led by a record-shattering performance in Mexico and broad-based growth in other markets, U.S. pork exports set a value record in 2023, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. While 2023 beef exports were below the record totals posted the previous year, December exports were the largest since August and December export value increased 10% year-over-year. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said several markets led the growth in 2023 and benefited U.S. pork producers.
Halstrom said those strong exports generated record value for U.S. pork producers.
Pork exports set annual volume and value records in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Malaysia, as well as value records in Central America and Colombia. Exports to South Korea were the third largest on record and second highest in value, while shipments to Oceania were the largest since 2020.
Beef, on the other hand, had a more difficult year. However, Halstrom said that, while export value fell 15% to just under $10 billion, this was still the third highest annual value for beef exports.
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