Explore the latest USDA export data for US beef and pork, highlighting shifts in sales, key markets, and global trends impacting the industry.

Overview of US Beef and Pork Export Sales

The USDA has released its latest weekly report on US beef and pork export sales, providing critical insights into the performance of these key industries. Despite fluctuations in weekly figures, several major markets continue to drive demand for US meat exports. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the current export sales for both beef and pork, along with a look at how global trends, especially in China, are reshaping trade dynamics.

Beef Export Sales: A Decline in Weekly Figures

According to the USDA report, US beef export sales for 2024 totaled 11,400 metric tons (MT), which marked a 31% decline from the previous week and a significant 41% drop from the prior four-week average. The key markets contributing to the sales figures include:

• South Korea: 3,200 MT (including a reduction of 300 MT)
• Mexico: 1,900 MT (with a decrease of 100 MT)
• Japan: 1,500 MT (including a decrease of 200 MT)
• Canada: 1,100 MT
• Taiwan: 1,000 MT (with a decrease of 100 MT)

Exports for the week reached 11,800 MT, which is down 21% compared to the previous week and 16% lower than the prior four-week average. Major export destinations included South Korea (3,100 MT), Japan (2,600 MT), China (1,800 MT), Mexico (1,200 MT), and Taiwan (600 MT).

Pork Export Sales: A Significant Increase

On the other hand, US pork export sales for 2024 surged by 43% compared to the previous week, reaching 29,700 MT. This figure is also 15% higher than the prior four-week average. The top markets for US pork during this period were:

• Mexico: 14,200 MT (including a decrease of 200 MT)
• Japan: 4,300 MT
• Colombia: 2,400 MT (including a decrease of 100 MT)
• China: 2,000 MT (including a decrease of 200 MT)
• Canada: 1,400 MT (with a reduction of 700 MT)

Additionally, a small amount of pork, totaling 100 MT, was sold to the Dominican Republic for 2025. Pork exports for the week reached 25,700 MT, an 8% decrease from the previous week and a 10% drop from the four-week average. Major export destinations were Mexico (10,700 MT), Japan (3,800 MT), China (3,200 MT), Colombia (1,700 MT), and South Korea (1,600 MT).

China’s Declining Meat Imports and Its Global Impact

China’s meat imports have seen a substantial decline through the first eight months of 2024. The country imported 4.40 million metric tons (MMT) of meat products during this period, down 13.9% from the same timeframe in 2023. In August alone, meat imports stood at 565,000 MT, a 9.9% reduction compared to August 2023. Beef imports, in particular, have taken a significant hit, with volumes down by 27% year-over-year as of July 2024.

Several factors have contributed to this drop in imports:

• Economic challenges impacting pork and beef consumption.
• Sufficient domestic meat supply following stockpiling in 2023.
• High levels of pork production within China.
• A shift among Chinese consumers toward more affordable protein options due to the country’s economic slowdown.

The Impact of Import Bans and Domestic Production on Chinese Meat Imports

While pork production in China remains strong, reducing the need for imports, the country has imposed import bans on certain US meat facilities, further affecting supply. China’s pork imports may grow slightly to offset a projected 3% decline in domestic production. During the first quarter of 2024, China’s pork output fell by 0.4% year-over-year, marking the first decline in nearly four years.

Beef imports, on the other hand, are expected to continue their downward trend in 2024, primarily due to high year-end inventory levels and relatively stagnant demand. China’s share of global beef imports is forecast to be about 5% lower than in 2023.

Global Trade Shifts in Response to China’s Reduced Meat Imports

As China scales back its meat imports, global trade patterns have shifted. The US, traditionally a key meat exporter to China, has seen a decrease in shipments, while Brazil has ramped up its beef exports to the Chinese market, with a 10.2% increase in the first half of 2024. Australia, facing reduced demand from China, has redirected more of its beef exports to markets like the US and Japan.

National Pork Producers Council Addresses Key Challenges

During a recent virtual briefing, Brian Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), emphasized the importance of addressing the industry’s current challenges. One of the primary issues is securing a new Farm Bill for 2024, which includes provisions to address critical concerns like California’s Proposition 12.

Proposition 12 has placed stringent animal welfare requirements on pork producers, especially those outside California. NPPC officials argue that this regulation imposes unnecessary costs and compliance burdens on pork producers, potentially leading to industry consolidation. The NPPC is pushing for a legislative fix to Prop 12 in the new farm bill to prevent further disruptions in the pork market.

Addressing Labor Shortages and Production Costs

Another significant challenge for pork producers is the ongoing labor shortage. While the H-2A guestworker program has been a focal point for low-skilled labor, pork producers are finding it increasingly difficult to use the TN visa program, which allows for the employment of skilled workers from Mexico and Canada. The NPPC has called for improvements to the TN visa process to help alleviate labor issues, particularly as production technologies become more advanced and require specialized skills.

In addition to labor concerns, higher production costs continue to strain pork producers. Although feed prices have moderated somewhat, fixed costs like transportation, labor, and utilities remain elevated—approximately 25% higher than three years ago, according to NPPC officials.

The Role of Trade Policy in the Pork Industry

Trade remains a critical component for the pork industry, with the NPPC advocating for the renewal of key programs like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). While new free trade agreements (FTAs) may be unlikely in the near term, existing trade programs can help mitigate some of the challenges faced by US pork producers in a highly competitive global market.

Conclusion: A Shifting Landscape for US Meat Exports

The USDA’s latest data on US beef and pork export sales highlights the dynamic nature of global meat trade. While US pork exports have seen a surge, beef sales are experiencing declines, with China’s reduced imports playing a significant role. As China continues to adjust its domestic production and consumption patterns, other global exporters like Brazil and Australia are stepping in to fill the gap. For US producers, addressing challenges like labor shortages, production costs, and regulatory hurdles remains key to navigating this evolving landscape.