June Exports of U.S. Pork Fell Compared to Last Year
Sunday, August 9th, 2020 -- 9:05 AM
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -June exports of U.S. pork fell below year-ago levels for the first time this year but exports remain on a record pace in 2020, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.Beef exports were down sharply from a year ago in June, reflecting a lingering impact of a temporary slowdown in beef production combined with restrictions on foodservice and weakening economies in major import markets. June lamb exports trended higher, posting the second largest totals of 2020. June pork exports totaled 207,181 metric tons, down 3% from a year ago, while export value fell 9% to $516.3 million. Despite the June decline, first-half pork exports were still 24% ahead of last year's record pace in volume and 29% higher in value ($4.05 billion). Exports accounted for 24% of total pork production in June and 22.2% of muscle cut production, down substantially from a year ago (27.8% and 24%, respectively). For the first half of the year, exports accounted for 31.5% of total pork production and 28.6% for muscle cuts, up from 25.8% and 22.4%, respectively, last year. Export value per head slaughtered averaged $46.19 in June, down 19% from a year ago and down sharply from the high levels achieved in April and May. The January-June average was $63.61 per head, up 27% from a year ago. June beef exports were close to the May lows, down 33% from a year ago to 79,013 mt, with value falling 32% to $492.3 million.
For January through June, beef exports fell 9% below last year's pace in volume (591,609 mt) and 10% lower in value ($3.63 billion). Exports accounted for 9.7% of total beef production in June and 8% for muscle cuts, down sharply from a year ago (15.4% and 12.7%, respectively) and the lowest in 10 years. First-half exports accounted for 13.3% of total beef production and 10.9% for muscle cuts, down from 14.2% and 11.6%, respectively, last year. Beef export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $219.53 in June, down 32% year-over-year. The first-half average was $300.43 per head, down 4%. June exports of U.S. lamb were the second largest of 2020 at 2,289 mt, up 113% from a year ago, while value climbed 29% to $2.23 million. First-half export volume was nearly even with last year at 7,752 mt, though value was down 21% to $10.43 million. A complete summary of January-June exports of U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available online.
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