U.S. red meat (beef and pork) exports had a strong month of May, increasing significantly from April as well as from 2016 levels. USDA statistics compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation show pork exports reached more than 222,000 metric tons. That’s an 11 percent year-over-year increase and the fourth largest monthly volume on record. Pork exports were valued at more than $583 million, up 16 percent. From January through May, exports were 14 percent higher than last year and 18 percent higher in value. Even with higher pork production, exports accounted for a larger share in 2017. May pork exports accounted for 29.4 percent of total production. May beef exports were six percent higher than last year, coming in at 105,321 metric tons. The retail value was nine percent higher at just over $582 million dollars. From January through May, beef exports were 12 percent higher in volume and up 16 percent in value compared to 2016. Beef exports accounted for 13 percent of total U.S. beef production.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.