USMEF: Strong US pork exports, beef variety meats in January

US pork exports improved year-over-year in volume and value in January, making for a solid start to the new year, according to data released by the US Department of Agriculture and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). However, due to the ongoing lockout in China, US beef exports fell below year-ago values, but export value per head of fed slaughter was more than $415 — the highest since March — reflecting strong demand in other markets.

Pork exports in January totaled 250,861 tonnes, up 3% from last year, while value rose 4% to $692.1 million. Growth was led by another month of outstanding performance from leading market Mexico.

Despite the success US pork has seen in Mexico, USMEF noted that potential headwinds may be on the horizon due to anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations occurring in Mexico on US hams and shoulders.

In addition to Mexico, US pork exports were larger year-over-year to Japan, South Korea, Canada, Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the ASEAN and Taiwan.

“Very impressive start to the year for US pork in Mexico and other Western Hemisphere markets, but strengthening demand in Asian destinations is especially encouraging,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and chief executive officer. “The US industry continues to capitalize on consumers’ growing demand for convenience-oriented products at both retail and foodservice, and this is reflected in our recent export results.”

January beef exports totaled 92,558 tonnes, a 10% drop from volume in 2025. Value fell 3% to $780.1 million. USMEF said exports have commanded higher prices, but prices are still not being maximized to the degree that would be possible with China back in the mix.

When excluding China from January’s results, exports increased 5% in volume and climbed 16% in value.

Beef shipments trended higher year-over-year to Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the Caribbean, the ASEAN and South America. Export value increased to Mexico, Canada and Central America.

The bright spot for beef in January was variety meats, with export value topping the previous monthly high reached in December. Value soared 45% year-over-year to a record of $126 million, while volume increased 6% to 27,511 tonnes.