DENVER — Similar to other numbers throughout 2024, the US exports of beef and pork in November showed gains in year-over-year categories, according to recent data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

November beef exports totaled 109,288 tonnes, up 10% from last year. Export value climbed by 11% to $872.7 million. January-November exports increased 5% in value to $9.56 billion, despite volume falling 1% to 1.18 million tonnes. Except for China/Hong Kong, September exports in the beef category trended higher than in 2023 in all major Asian markets, and demand remained strong in Mexico along with shipments from Central America.

“Despite continued economic headwinds in Asia, demand for US beef strengthened in South Korea, China and Taiwan, and exports were fairly steady to Japan,” said Dan Halstrom, president and chief executive officer for USMEF. “The strong performance in Mexico and outstanding demand for variety meat in Egypt were also critical for bolstering carcass value.”

Pork exports for September went up 5% year-over-year to 272,047 tonnes, with value increasing by 6% to $783 million. Through 11 months, pork exports were 5% above last year’s pace at 2.76 million tonnes, with value up 7% to $6.36 billion.

USMEF also highlighted pork muscle exports, which increased by 6% to 221,652 tonnes. Muscle cut export value was the third highest on record at $671.4 million.

“Another terrific month for pork demand in Mexico and throughout the Western Hemisphere,” Halstrom noted. “It was also encouraging to see exports trend higher to Japan and sustain strong growth in Oceania and Southeast Asia.”

When December results are available, exports are expected to exceed 3 million tonnes for the first time, topping the previous high (2.98 million tonnes) reached in 2020. Export value will exceed $8.5 billion, easily surpassing the 2023 record of $8.16 billion.

The leading market for pork export in November was Mexico, which totaled 99,849 tonnes, which is the fourth highest in 2024. Export value showed an increase of 2% to $225.7 million.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service for the USDA also transitioned to electronic export certificates for Mexico starting on Nov. 4, leading to some shipment delays. However, volumes showed the new move was only a temporary obstacle.

Under the beef category, South Korean numbers reached 21,499 tonnes in November, up 20% compared to 2023 and the largest since March. Export value increased 29% to $207.7 million.

“While this was the third consecutive month of renewed momentum for US beef in the Korean market, the outlook for December is cloudy as Korea has been mired in political turmoil and the won recently weakened to its lowest level in 15 years versus the US dollar,” USMEF added.

US lamb exports in November were up 13% to 130 tonnes. Export value reached $881,000, an increase of 8%. January through November exports increased 12% in last year’s pace in volume and 13% higher in value.