Mexico takes top share of U.S. animal protein exportsMexico takes top share of U.S. animal protein exports

Mexico accounted for about 24% of beef, pork, lamb, mutton, broilers and turkey exported in 2018.

Krissa Welshans

May 3, 2019

1 Min Read
Mexico takes top share of U.S. animal protein exports

U.S. trade data reveal that Mexico was the largest single-country buyer of U.S. red meat and poultry in 2018, accounting for about 24% of beef, pork, lamb, mutton, broilers and turkey exported last year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that Mexico’s purchases of U.S. animal proteins were spread across red meats and poultry; the country was the largest buyer of U.S. pork, lamb, mutton, broilers and turkey and the third-largest buyer of beef. Japan accounted for a 13% share of red meats and poultry last year.

Japan’s export share was weighted heavily towards purchases of U.S. pork and beef. In fact, it was the second-largest buyer of pork and the largest buyer of beef. South Korea was the third-largest buyer of U.S. pork and the second-largest buyer of U.S. beef, taking 8% of the share of red meat and poultry exports.

Both Canada and China/Hong Kong imported 7% of U.S. red meat and poultry. Canada was the fifth-largest buyer of broiler meat and turkey last year, while China/Hong Kong was the fourth-largest buyer of U.S. beef and the fifth-largest buyer of pork. China/Hong Kong was also the second-largest buyer of turkey.

USDA said a large share of U.S. red meat and poultry exports was distributed in small volumes across a number of countries that account for about 41% of exports.

2018 animal protein exports USDA FDS.png

About the Author

Krissa Welshans

Krissa Welshans grew up on a crop farm and cow-calf operation in Marlette, Michigan. Welshans earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University and master’s degree in public policy from New England College. She and her husband Brock run a show cattle operation in Henrietta, Texas, where they reside with their son, Wynn.

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