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Pork, beef export sales surge in first-half of '08
DENVER ― During the first half of 2008, pork exports enjoyed a record-setting six months. Meanwhile, U.S. beef exports continued to climb closer to the pre-BSE highs achieved earlier in the decade, the U.S.D.A said. Surging meat sales in overseas markets are brightening the outlook for the nations livestock industry, which has experienced a tough six months so far this year.In June, pork and pork variety meat exports totaled 192,667 metric tons valued at $451 million double the volume exported in June of last year. This drove year-to-date pork exports to 1,018,467 metric tons valued at $2.3 billion 67% above the first six months of 2007 in terms of volume, and 58% higher than last year in terms of value. Exports to China/Hong Kong, the largest volume destination for U.S. pork and pork variety meats, during the first half of 2008 jumped 324% over last year to 254,445 metric tons valued at $439.8 million. Exports to this region alone accounted for 6% of this years U.S. pork production, as 24% of pork and pork variety meats produced in the United States are now destined for foreign markets. "A significant rise in pork values has been led by strong prices for export items such as trimmings, hams and picnics," said Erin Daley, manager of research and analysis for the U.S. Meat Export Federation. "The rise in prices for these items indicates continued strong export demand into August." Other strong-performing markets for pork exports (including variety meats) in the first half of 2008 included Japan, which was up 21% in volume over last year to 221,081 metric tons, valued at $712.3 million. Japan remains the single largest market for U.S. pork in terms of value. Mexico was up 23% in volume over last year to 163,307 metric tons, valued at $270.4 million. Meanwhile, beef and beef variety meat exports in June increased 35% and totaled 89,054 metric tons, valued at $328 million. During the first half of the year, these exports totaled 445,036 metric tons, valued at $1.58 billion -- an increase of 30% in volumes and 39% in value. First-half exports reached 71% of the value achieved in the first six months of 2003, and 87% of the value achieved during the same time period. Top-performing markets for U.S. beef and beef variety meats remain Mexico and Canada. Through June, exports to Mexico were up 18% in volume over last year to 199,890 metric tons valued at $678.1 million. Exports to Mexico set a new record in June -- surpassing the July 2003 volume and reaching 36,619 metric tons. Meanwhile, Jan.-June exports to Canada increased 41%to 78,790 metric tons, valued at $365.8 million. 
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