June exports of U.S. beef reached the highest value in nearly two years. Data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation shows beef exports totaling more than 110,000 metric tons, down four percent from 2023 but the second-largest total in 2024. Export value reached near $940 million, up three percent year-over-year and the highest level since August 2022. Despite a four percent volume decline through the first half of 2024, the export value climbed five percent to $5.2 billion.
U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says, “June beef exports performed well in Japan despite the headwinds beef faced there.” June pork exports totaled 224,000 metric tons, down nine percent from 2023 and the lowest level since last September. Pork export value fell five percent to $659 million. However, the January-June volume still reached 1.5 million metric tons, three percent above the first half of 2023, while the export value increased five percent to well over $4.2 billion.
-NAFB