Exports of U.S. pork, beef and lamb set new records across the board in 2011, reaching all-time highs in both volume and value and exceeding $11.5 billion in total value.
Japan halted beef imports from a JBS Swift plant in Grand Island, Neb., after finding material prohibited under rules to control the risk of mad cow disease.
According to Bloomberg news reports, Japan is preparing to ease restrictions on U.S. beef imports in the wake of a drop in domestic cattle production after the country's earthquake-related nuclear disasters.
August was another outstanding month for U.S. pork and beef exports, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Tyson Foods Inc. and Smithfield Foods Inc. will likely raise shipments to Japan because of disruption to the company’s output due to the recent natural disasters, analysts said.
The import and export industry had a tough 2009 with total shipments being down more than 12 percent from 2008 and far below that when compared to 2007. The carrier industry struggled mightily as the economic downturn was compounded by a slew of new vessels coming on line as shipping volumes tanked around the world.
