U.S. beef and pork exports trended lower in May due, in part, to interruptions in slaughter and processing, according to data released by U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports plunged to well below year-ago levels and recorded the lowest monthly volume in 10 years. Pork exports, on the other hand, remained higher than a year ago but were the lowest since October 2019.

"As protective measures related to COVID-19 were being implemented, plant disruptions peaked in early May, with a corresponding temporary slowdown in exports," USMEF president and chief executive officer Dan Halstrom said. "Unfortunately, the impact was quite severe, especially on the beef side. Exports also faced some significant economic headwinds, especially in our Western Hemisphere markets, as stay-at-home orders were implemented in key destinations and several trading partners dealt with slumping currencies."

Halstrom noted that the recent rebound in beef and pork production will help exports regain momentum in the second half of 2020. The global economic outlook is challenging, but he looks for export volumes to recover quickly in most markets as U.S. red meat remains an important staple not only in the U.S. but for many international consumers as well.

"In what has been a remarkably turbulent year, consumer demand for U.S. red meat has proven very resilient," he said. "Now that production has substantially recovered, the U.S. industry is better able to meet the needs of both domestic and international customers.”

While the foodservice and hospitality sectors face enormous challenges, Halstrom said they are on the path to recovery in some markets while retail demand remains strong.

“Retail sales have also been bolstered by a surge in e-commerce and innovations in home meal replacement, as convenience remains paramount," he said.

May beef exports were down 33% from a year ago to 79,280 metric tons, with value falling 34% to $480.1 million as shipments were higher than a year ago to Hong Kong and China but trended lower to most other markets. For January through May, beef exports fell 3% below last year's pace in volume to 512,596 mt and were 5% lower in value at $3.14 billion.

Exports accounted for 12.5% of total beef production in May and 10.5% for muscle cuts only, down from 14.6% and 12.0%, respectively, in May 2019. For January through May, exports still accounted for a slightly higher percentage of both total beef production, at 14.1%, up from 14.0%, and muscle cut production, at 11.6%, up from 11.3%, compared to last year. Beef export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $282.48 in May, down 10% from a year ago. The January to May average was $318.87 per head, up 3%.

May pork exports totaled 243,823 mt, 12% above a year ago but down 13% from the monthly average for the first quarter of 2020. Export value was $620.9 million, up 9% year over year but 16% below the first-quarter monthly average. May exports increased year over year to China/Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam but trended lower to Mexico, Japan, Canada and South Korea. For January through May, exports were 30% ahead of last year's pace in volume at 1.35 million mt and 37% higher in value at $3.53 billion.

Exports accounted for 36.2% of total pork production in May and one-third of muscle cut production, up substantially from last May’s ratios of 27.3% and 23.3%, respectively. For January through May, exports accounted for 33% of total pork production and 30% for muscle cuts, also up significantly from last year's 25.4% and 22.1%, respectively. Export value per head slaughtered averaged $72.30 in May, down only slightly from the April record and 32% higher than a year ago. The January to May average was $67.33 per head, up 38% year over year.

Few bright spots for May beef exports

Despite the lower export volumes, USMEF said the U.S.-China Phase One Economic & Trade Agreement has provided much-needed momentum for U.S. beef exports to China, which totaled 1,671 mt in May, up 205% from a year ago, valued at $13.2 million, up 187%. The agreement’s red meat trade provisions took effect in late March and, in just a short time, helped January through May exports to China reach 4,926 mt, up 66% from a year ago, valued at $38.9 million, up 71%.

“Phase One provided significant market access gains for U.S. beef, finally putting the U.S. industry in position to compete in the world’s fastest-growing beef market,” Halstrom said. “These early results are really just a small preview of what we expect to see as China’s foodservice sector regains momentum and U.S. beef production returns to its normal level.”

Beef exports to Hong Kong also trended higher in May, reaching 8,397 mt, up 10% from a year ago, valued at $68 million, up 8%. For the first five months of the year, exports still trailed last year’s pace by 11% in volume, at 31,610 mt, and 10% in value, at $270.6 million.

USMEF said Africa continues to emerge as a key destination for beef variety meat in 2020, led by growth in South Africa, Gabon, Angola and Cote d’Ivoire. May variety meat exports nearly doubled from a year ago in volume, up 99% to 2,692 mt, with value up 94% to $2 million, and for January through May, exports totaled 12,783 mt, up 123%, valued at $9.6 million, up 115%.

According to USMEF, other results for U.S. beef exports through May included:

African swine fever still fueling pork demand

China/Hong Kong continued to drive pork export growth in May, although January to May exports also remained higher year over year to several other key markets. May exports to China/Hong Kong pulled back from recent record highs but still reached 112,820 mt, up 148% from a year ago, valued at $259 million, up 188%. Through May, exports to China/Hong Kong tripled last year’s pace to reach 526,273 mt, up 203%, with value up $284% to $1.25 billion.

Pork exports to Japan trended lower in May, but January through May shipments remained 7% ahead of last year’s pace at 169,912 mt, with value up 10% to $704 million. USMEF explained that chilled pork accounts for more than half of U.S. exports to Japan, much of which is high-value product destined for retail. Japan’s import data (also through May) showed a 4% increase in U.S. chilled pork to 88,217 mt. Japan’s imports of U.S. ground seasoned pork increased 43% to nearly 50,000 mt, while value soared 69% to $150 million. U.S. share of Japan’s ground seasoned pork imports climbed to 79%, up from 57% last year.

“Having U.S. pork back on a level tariff playing field in Japan has been especially important in these challenging times,” Halstrom said. “Without the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, which took effect Jan. 1, U.S. pork would still be at a significant disadvantage compared to European and Canadian pork – something we absolutely could not afford in what has traditionally been our leading value market.”

USMEF noted that other results for U.S. pork exports through May included: