March exports of U.S. pork were the largest since May 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While below last year’s high volume, March beef exports were the largest since October.

March pork exports totaled 260,195 metric tons (mt), up 17% year-over-year and the ninth largest volume on record. Export value was also ninth largest at $724 million, up 18% from a year ago. These results capped a strong first quarter for U.S. pork as exports reached 716,691 mt, up 14% from a year ago, valued at $1.96 billion (up 15%).

For Mexico, March pork exports were the second largest on record, while shipments to the Dominican Republic and Malaysia were record large. Exports also increased to South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Australia and Taiwan. Exports to China/Hong Kong, in particular, continue to trend well above year-ago levels, with first quarter shipments up 29% to 134,881. Export value to the region increased 26% to $352.2 million, mainly driven by the strong growth in variety meats, USMEF noted. 

“It’s great to see U.S. pork exports continue to expand in many of our Western Hemisphere markets, but there is also notable momentum in the Asia Pacific,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “With consumer activity in the region rebounding toward pre-COVID levels and U.S. pork very competitively priced compared to European product, 2023 holds excellent potential for broad-based growth.”

Meanwhile, beef exports totaled 120,495 mt in March, down 5% from a year ago. Export value fell 17% to $892.6 million, but both volume and value were the highest in five months. Through the first quarter, beef exports were down 8% year-over-year to 326,494 mt, valued at $2.35 billion (down 22%).

March beef exports to Mexico were well above last year, while export growth to the Caribbean was highlighted by a record month for the Dominican Republic. Exports also increased year-over-year to the Philippines, while beef variety meat demand strengthened in South Africa and Peru.

USMEF reported that demand for U.S. beef increased dramatically in South Africa, where first quarter exports nearly tripled from a year ago to 5,825 mt – up 184%. All but 33 mt were beef variety meat as shipments of beef livers and kidneys have rebounded following challenges in 2022. Export value to South Africa was up 206% to $6.3 million. With first quarter shipments of beef variety meats also increasing to Cote D’Ivoire, total beef exports to Africa were up 84% from a year ago to 6,816 mt, valued at $7.9 million (up 77%).

March exports to South Korea were below last year but were the largest in 10 months, while exports to China/Hong Kong were the largest since October at 21,211 mt.

“U.S. beef exports faced considerable headwinds late last year and at the beginning of 2023, but the March results show some encouraging trends,” Halstrom said. “Most Asian markets showed renewed momentum in March, while exports continued to trend higher to Mexico, the Caribbean and South Africa.”