Pork Exports Soar at Beef’s Expense

Post Dec. 23, there have been three major surprises in  U.S. international trade of meat and poultry.  1) much larger than anticipated U.S. pork exports; 2) lackluster U.S. broiler exports; and 3) larger than anticipated U.S. beef imports.

Throughout the first six months of 2004 (latest data available), U.S. pork exports were huge, supported by limitations on U.S. and Canadian beef exports.  For June, U.S. pork exports totaled 172 million pounds (carcass weight basis), 14 percent or above 2003’s level.  Exports to most major trading partners in June were larger than a year ago, with sales to Canada up 39 percent, Mexico at 50 percent and Japan just a notch higher.  For the second quarter of 2004, U.S. pork exports totaled 546 million pounds, 24 percent larger than 2003 and the largest quarterly volume on record.

U.S. beef imports continued to be above the prior year and were especially large in June.  In June, U.S. imports of beef were 75 percent above a year ago at 351 million pounds (carcass weight equivalent).  This was the largest monthly volume reported since January 1993.  In the second quarter of 2004, U.S. beef import tonnage was 25 percent larger than 2003 and the second largest ever.  

For the May through June quarter, U.S. import tonnage from Australia, New Zealand and Brazil were below 2003 levels.  U.S. beef imports from Canada have continued to ramp-up in recent months.

U.S. poultry exports have been disappointing and have been well below levels of recent years for most months so far this year.  In June, U.S. exports of broilers continued to lag well behind last year, down nearly 130 million pounds (ready to cook basis) or 28 percent below 2003. 

Source:  Livestock Marketing Information Center