DENVER — US pork exports are recovering amid a strenuous economy to the point of reaching the highest export volume and value since May 2022, according to data released by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Meanwhile, beef exports are still well below the records set last May.

During May, pork exports reached 261,361 tonnes, up 16% from last year, and the ninth largest on record. Export value jumped 12% to $731.1 million, the highest since May 2021. Setting a new record, pork variety meat exports performed strongly with a value of $127 million.

Paving the way for these renewed highs was added exports to leading market Mexico, up 21% from the previous year at 96,811 tonnes. Additionally, exports to Taiwan were the largest in 12 years, and export value to South Korea reached a five-year high. China continues to be the main destination for US pork variety meat, but USMEF attributes 2023 export growth to Mexico, the ASEAN, Canada, South America and the Caribbean.

“While pork shipments to Mexico are on a remarkable pace, it takes a wide range of markets to achieve double-digit growth,” explained Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and chief executive officer. “Demand is strong throughout the Western Hemisphere and the US industry continues to make gains in Asian markets where supplies of European pork are much tighter than a year ago.”

Beef exports were lower overall at a total of 116,159 tonnes, down 14% from the May 2022 record but up 4% from last month. Export value dropped 19% compared to last year at $874.7 million. However, exports to Mexico, Taiwan and South Africa increased, and export value to Canada reached higher than it has in nearly eight years. Beef variety exports were the largest in the past year at just below 27,000 tonnes. Mexico was the largest destination for US beef variety meat, with exports through May increasing 16% to 42,613 tonnes and export value of $120.4 million.

“US beef exports face considerable headwinds in 2023, on both the supply and demand side, especially when compared to last year’s massive totals,” Halstrom said. “To address tighter beef supplies, USMEF has heightened efforts to showcase underutilized cuts, even in our well-established markets. It’s also encouraging to see beef variety meat exports maintain a strong pace, as this is essential for maximizing carcass value.”

May lamb exports were down from a year ago by 32% at 141 tonnes, the lowest volume of 2023. Export value was $772,409, down 17%. While lamb exports lessened to most major destinations, they increased to the Bahamas.