U.S. meat exports fall in February, but outlook for 2021 remains good

US red MEAT exports fell 8% for beef and 12% for pork in February from the same month last year, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat EXPORT Federation (USMEF). However, the outlook for this year remains positive as USMEF executives expect logistical hurdles and labor shortages to be cleared at short notice.

"Logistics challenges, including congestion at some US ports, continue to be a major barrier to export expansion, and limited plant-level labor continues to affect exports of some products, including some meats," commented Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of USMEF.

He notes that the flow of exports through US ports is showing some gradual improvement as teams previously affected by covid return to work, but remains a major challenge for the US agricultural sector. 

"USMEF greatly appreciates the members of Congress and representatives of the agricultural industry who have worked to bring more attention to this situation, as well as the efforts of maritime regulators to address the problems of shipping," he said. 

Export demand remains robust despite logistical challenges and other pandemic-related hurdles. Continued international demand, along with robust domestic business, contributed to a stronger first-quarter export performance, which rose by an average of 27% year-over-year for pork and 4% for beef.

Beef exports in February amounted to 103,493 tons, down 8% from a year earlier and valued at $669.5 million (down 2%). Pork exports in February decreased by 12% compared to last year and amounted to 239,240 tons worth $629.4 million (a decrease of 13%). The main markets for US beef were CHINA and SOUTH KOREA, while exports to Japan have been impacted by annual import safeguards set in the US-Japan trade agreement. For pork, China has so far been the largest pork market, but according to USMEF, exports to the Philippines and Central America are on the rise.