US Riding High with Beef and Pork Exports
US - U.S. pork exports enjoyed a record-setting first half of 2008, while the value of U.S. beef exports has climbed closer to the pre-BSE highs achieved earlier in the decade, according to the latest export figures released by USDA.Surging meat sales in overseas markets have provided a needed boost for hog and cattle producers in recent months, brightening the outlook for the nation's livestock industry.
Pork and pork variety meat exports in June totaled 192,667 metric tons valued at $451 million - double the volume exported in June of last year. This drove year-to-date pork exports to 1,018,467 metric tons valued at $2.3 billion - 67 percent above the first six months of 2007 in terms of volume, and 58 percent higher than last year in terms of value.
Beef and beef variety meat exports in June increased 35 percent and totaled 89,054 metric tons, valued at $328 million. During the first half of the year, these exports totaled 445,036 metric tons, valued at $1.58 billion - an increase of 30 percent in volume and 39 percent in value. First-half exports reached 71 percent of the volume achieved in the first six months of 2003, and 87 percent of the value achieved during the same time period.