US Beef Exports Jump 13% as Taiwan Steps Up

August US beef exports climbed 13% in value to $785.9 million on strong Taiwan and Korea demand, while pork exports fell 6% as Mexico cooled.

If you only looked at the year-to-date numbers, you’d think US beef exports were having a rough 2026. Look at August and a different story appears: American beef is selling fewer tonnes at much higher value, and buyers in Taiwan and Korea are doing most of the work. Pork is going the other way, as its biggest market, Mexico, needs less US product.

Here’s what the latest USDA data, compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), says, and why it matters to anyone buying, selling or pricing North American protein.

Beef: smaller volumes, bigger cheques

US beef exports reached 86,362 tonnes in August, up 4% on a year earlier. Value rose much faster, up 13% to $785.9 million, which tells you the product mix and price per tonne are both moving up.

Taiwan was the standout. USMEF called it a “star performer” for US beef in 2026, and its August buying was close to a record. South Korea delivered the second-half rebound USMEF had expected. Growth also came from the Middle East, the ASEAN region, Colombia and Côte d’Ivoire, while volumes to Mexico and Central America held steady. Japan bought less beef by volume but paid more for it, as did the Caribbean.

Then there’s China. US beef shipments there rose from last year’s very low base, but they remain small. Suspended plant registrations still haven’t been restored, and exporters are still waiting for clarity on technical requirements. What makes this frustrating for US exporters is the timing: Australian beef has faced a 55% safeguard tariff in China since 20 June. That should have created space for US product, but the US can’t fill it while plants remain delisted.

The year-to-date picture

From January to August, US beef exports totalled 721,150 tonnes, down 7% year on year. Value fell only 1%, to $6.32 billion. Most of the volume decline comes from China, where access problems began to bite in the early months of 2025. Excluding China, US beef exports are just 1% lower in volume and 6% higher in value.

So in most markets other than China, US beef is selling for more.

Pork: Mexico cools and new markets fill some of the gap

US pork had a weaker month. August exports fell 6% to 222,243 tonnes, and value dropped 12% to $606.3 million.

Mexico explains most of the decline. Domestic Mexican pork production has recovered and demand for hams has softened. Before that, pseudorabies-related restrictions held back US pork variety meat shipments to Mexico from May through July. Shipments were also lower to Japan, Korea, China, Oceania and ASEAN.

There was good news too. Exports to Central America, Colombia and the Caribbean rose and are on a record pace for 2026. USMEF’s message is clear: diversifying markets is no longer optional, and these newer Latin American markets are beginning to pay off.

From January to August, pork exports were 1% above last year at 1.95 million tonnes, with value flat at $5.47 billion. That is still below the record pace set in 2024.

Lamb had a poor month. Muscle cut exports fell 41% to just 129 tonnes, the lowest of the year.

What this means for buyers and traders

Asian buyers of US beef: Firm demand from Taiwan and Korea, together with the higher value per tonne, suggests US beef is not getting cheaper for Asian importers any time soon. Tight US cattle supplies support that, though August’s figures alone can’t confirm it. If China relists US plants while Australian beef still faces the safeguard tariff there, competition for US beef could tighten further. For now, that remains a possibility rather than an expectation.

Australian beef exporters: As long as the safeguard tariff stays in place, Australian beef is at a price disadvantage in China. Faster relisting of US plants would make that disadvantage more significant.

Pork buyers in Latin America: Softer US sales to Mexico mean more US pork is looking for a home. Central America, Colombia and the Caribbean are already taking more, and buyers in those markets may find exporters more willing to negotiate.

Mexican processors: With domestic production back up, ham demand softer and the pseudorabies restrictions behind them, Mexican buyers have more choice than they have had for some time.

The bottom line

US beef exports are adjusting to tight cattle supply by earning more on fewer tonnes, and Taiwan and Korea are absorbing much of what China isn’t buying. US pork is less dependent on Mexico than it was, but the newer markets are not yet big enough to fill the gap. The key thing to watch is China: if it relists US beef plants while the Australian safeguard tariff remains, export flows could change quickly.

FAQ

How much did US beef exports rise in August 2026?

Volume rose 4% to 86,362 tonnes, and value climbed 13% to $785.9 million, mainly on strong demand from Taiwan and South Korea.

Why did US pork exports fall in August?

Mostly because of Mexico. Mexican pork production has recovered and ham demand has softened. This followed pseudorabies-related restrictions that held back US pork variety meat shipments from May through July. Shipments to Japan, Korea and China were also lower.

Why aren’t US beef exports to China recovering?

Many US beef plants are still waiting to be relisted for export to China, and exporters need clearer guidance on China’s technical requirements. Shipments have risen from last year’s low base but remain well below what the market could take, especially with Australian beef facing a 55% safeguard tariff in China since June.

Sources and Additional Resources