Although the volume of U.S. beef exports was down slightly in June, the value was up to $790 million, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. President Dan Halstrom says one of the key value markets was Taiwan.
“Demand for beef being strong in Taiwan is not a new thing, but what is new is this continued demand for some of the less utilized cuts. Big focus on things like rounds, chuck rolls, of course, short plates, this sort of thing.” That’s been combined with beef demand out of Latin America, specifically, the Dominican Republic. “Everyone knows they have a tourism industry which continues to be strong, but the part that a lot of people may not realize is that we're starting to get a bigger and bigger foothold in the growing modern retail sector.”
Taking China out of the equation has lowered export volumes, but increased value, proving that diversifying markets is working to the U.S.’ advantage, according to USMEF.
-NAFB