US beef export volume steady to Japan and Korea - USMEF
Exports trend higher to Mexico as well
14 April 2023
1 minute read
By: February beef exports to Japan edged modestly higher in volume, increasing 1% from a year ago to 23,876 mt, while value fell 19% to $161.7 million, according to a recent report from the US Meat and Export Federation (USMEF).
According to the report, exports to Japan were steady or the first two months of the year, with last year at 46,332 mt, but were down 20% in value to $306.6 million.
Exports to South Korea followed a similar trend, edging slightly higher in February to 19,382 mt (up 2%), but value declined 22% to $153.3 million. Through February, exports to Korea were down sharply from last year’s large totals in both volume (38,278 mt, down 21%) and value ($304.8 million, down 41%).
Beef exports to Mexico continued to build momentum in February, reaching 15,576 mt (up 10% from a year ago) valued at $91.5 million (up 8%). January-February exports totaled 33,055 mt, up 15% from a year ago, while value increased 13% to $186.3 million. This includes a 12% increase in beef variety meat exports to 16,715 mt, valued at $48.2 million (up 21%). The Mexican beef market is set to become more competitive this year, having recently opened to some beef imports from Brazil for the first time. Imports from Brazil will enter Mexico at zero duty through the end of 2023.
