Exports of U.S. pork eclipsed previous highs in both volume and value in 2024, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef export value climbed 5% from 2023 despite a slight decrease in volume, as unit export values were record high. December pork exports totaled 267,132 metric tons (mt), slightly below last year’s large volume, while value increased 1% to $771.8 million. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the increases were driven by diversification of export markets and delivered a value of $66 per head slaughtered on pork.
Halstrom said those exports contributed significantly to the bottom line for pork producers.
December beef export value increased 5% to $10.45 billion, which comes out to $415 per fed head slaughtered on beef.
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