Strong March results capped an excellent first quarter for U.S. red meat exports, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF, as beef exports set a new monthly value record in March and pork export value reached the second-highest level on record. The United States is exporting a strong share of its beef and pork production at higher prices — a clear sign of solid international demand.
March beef export value was $693.1 million, up 18 percent year-over-year and topping the previous high set in October 2014. Export volume was 111,994 metric tons (mt), up 6 percent from a year ago. For the first quarter of 2018, exports were 9 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (318,073 mt) and jumped 19 percent in value ($1.92 billion).