February exports of U.S. pork were moderately lower than a year ago, despite continued success in Mexico and Central America, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). February beef exports were also below last year after trending higher in January, while lamb muscle cut exports posted a year-over-year increase for the fifth consecutive month.
Robust pork demand in Central America and Mexico offset by slowdown in Japan, Korea
February pork exports totaled 241,179 metric tons (mt), down 4% from the large year-ago volume, while value fell 2% to $671.5 million. Exports soared to Central America in February and export value to Mexico exceeded $200 million for the eighth consecutive month. Shipments also increased to the Philippines, New Zealand and Cuba. For the first two months of 2025, pork exports were 3% below last year’s record pace at 485,144 mt, with value down 2% to $1.34 billion.
“I can’t say enough about the tremendous demand for U.S. pork in Mexico and Central America, where the U.S. industry continues to move a wider range of center-of-the-plate cuts to a variety of end users,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Unfortunately, the strong performance there has been offset by a slow start to the year in Japan and South Korea. And although February shipments to China were slightly above last year, exports may have been larger if not for the uncertainty over plant eligibility, which wasn’t resolved until mid-March.”
In February and March of this year, many U.S. pork, beef and poultry plants and cold storage facilities were due for a five-year eligibility renewal by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC). Pork and poultry plants were renewed on the March 16 expiration date, but GACC still has not renewed the eligibility of any U.S. beef establishments, and the majority of U.S. beef production is now ineligible for China
Beef exports higher to Korea and Canada; Uncertainty looms for China
Beef exports totaled 98,198 mt in February, down 5.5% from a year ago, while value declined 4% to just over $800 million. February exports increased year-over year to South Korea, Canada, Egypt and the Philippines, and reached the highest value on record to Panama. Shipments were lower to Japan, China/Hong Kong and Mexico, though beef variety meat exports to Mexico increased. January-February shipments were 1% below last year’s pace at 201,038 mt, but value increased 1% to $1.6 billion.
“It was encouraging to see beef exports to Korea trend higher despite considerable economic and political headwinds, and Canada’s demand for U.S. beef has been very robust to start the year,” Halstrom said. “But exports to China lost momentum in February, likely due in part to the slowdown after Chinese New Year and the questions about plant eligibility. Unfortunately, China has still failed to address the issue of beef plant renewals. This impasse definitely hit our March beef shipments even harder, and the severe impact will continue until China lives up to its commitments under the Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement.”
China also announced additional retaliatory duties of 34%, to take effect April 10. This will create further obstacles for U.S. pork and beef exports to China. Halstrom noted that new U.S. tariffs have also created uncertainty for buyers of U.S. red meat in other destinations where retaliation could impact market access and prices.
“USMEF is hopeful that instead of retaliating, other trading partners will choose to lower trade barriers for U.S. exports,” he said. “This would certainly ease the concerns of importers and reduce volatility in the global markets.”
Mexico’s demand for U.S. lamb cuts continues to expand
February exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 214 mt, up 42% from a year ago, valued at $1.12 million (up 13%). Growth was led by Mexico, where shipments climbed 133% to 126 mt, valued at just over $400,000 (up 135%). For the second consecutive month, export volume to Mexico was the highest since November 2022. January-February exports to all destinations increased 17% in volume (469 mt) and 6% in value ($2.6 million). With a wider range of lamb cuts – including shoulder and flap meat – gaining popularity in Mexico’s foodservice sector, January-February exports to Mexico climbed 55% to 246 mt, valued at $856,000. Shipments to the Caribbean also trended higher, led by growth in Trinidad and Tobago and the Leeward-Windward Islands.
A detailed summary of the January-February export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.
