The U.S. Meat Export Federation estimates pork volume exports rose in February compared to a year ago, to 219,729 metric tons, or 11%, while value increased by 10%.
High numbers for pork variety meat exports remained strong in February, jumping 40% to nearly 48,000 metric tons for the eighth-highest monthly export value on record. USMEF estimates pork variety meat had a value of about $10.15 per head in 2022.
“After setting a value record in 2022, the momentum for pork variety meat exports continues this year,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF's president and CEO. “While this is largely attributable to a rebound in exports to China, demand is also strengthening in other markets including Mexico and the Philippines.”
Pork exports to Mexico cooled slightly in February but remained positive with a 6% volume and 36% value annual increase. Exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region — including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand — increased 49% year-over-year to 4,229 metric tons.
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The Dominican Republic received more than double the amount of U.S. pork than the year before, with a 106% increase.
For beef, the February year-over-year export value dropped 16% to $757.8 million. Volume also dropped 3% in February to reach 105,057 metric tons.
However, Halstrom said it was “encouraging to see a modest rebound compared to January.” He expects increases in food service and restaurant demand throughout the year as Asian markets continue easing pandemic restrictions.
Lamb exports increased by 70% over last year to 446 metric tons in February. Value also increased by nearly one-third to $2.33 million.
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