August beef exports above last year while pork trended lower

Fueled by a near-record performance in Taiwan and a rebound in South Korea, August exports of U.S. beef increased year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports reached 86,362 metric tons (mt) in August, up 4% from a year ago, while export value climbed 13% to $785.9 million. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom notes that in addition to year-over-year growth in Taiwan and Korea, August exports also trended higher to the Middle East, where shipments to the United Arab Emirates were the largest since 2022 and exports to Kuwait were the largest since early 2024.

Halstrom said August pork exports were lower than a year ago, primarily due to a sharp decline in shipments to Mexico compared to the large totals posted in August 2025.