DENVER – South Korea stood out as the largest growth market for U.S. beef exports when the latest export statistics were compiled last week, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Korea became the No. 3 volume market for U.S. beef after overtaking Japan and Egypt by increasing 66% over last year’s pace to 81.8 million lbs.

In terms of value, S. Korea is fourth-largest (behind Mexico, Canada and Japan) at $162.8 million, which is an increase of 94% over last year. Beef exports to S. Korea in May were more than three times the volume and nearly four times the value seen in May 2009.