September pork plus pork variety meat exports reached nearly 154,000 metric tons (339.5 million pounds) valued at $347.8 million, the highest volume since April 2009, according to statistics released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

September beef plus beef variety meat exports were down slightly from August, with the January-September cumulative total falling further behind last year’s pace, as beef exports continue to struggle amid market access restrictions and difficult global economic conditions.

While January-September pork exports contain significant bright spots, including a continued strong performance in Mexico and Japan as well as renewed strength in Canada, Russia and the Greater China region, they trail last year’s record pace by 11% in volume (1.366 million metric tons or 3.01 billion pounds) and 12% in value ($3.195 billion).

Mexico’s September volume surpassed September 2008 by nearly 37%, putting Mexico’s January-September export volume at 369,376 metric tons (814.3 million pounds) valued at $547.7 million - an increase of 38% and 15%, respectively, over the first three quarters of 2008.

“It has been a remarkable year for U.S. pork in Mexico, especially when you consider the disruption we experienced in April and May due to H1N1 influenza,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “USMEF worked successfully during this time to maintain our market access in Mexico, and then focused on rebuilding consumer confidence and demand. It is very gratifying to see these efforts paying off and to see the market respond so well to our product.”

The value of U.S. pork exports to Japan increased by 3% to $1.17 billion and, with a strong fourth-quarter performance, pork exports to Japan could surpass last year’s record value of $1.55 billion. Pork export volume to Japan (319,297 metric tons or 703.9 million pounds) is only slightly behind its 2008 pace.

“U.S. pork continues to break new ground in Japan, despite the fact that Japan’s domestic pork production has increased nearly 6% this year,” Seng said. “Our processed items, for example, are growing dramatically in this market. Exports of U.S. sausage to Japan have increased by more than 25% this year.”

September pork exports to Canada set a new monthly volume record (17,669 metric tons or 38.9 million pounds) - jumping 37% from August and surpassing last September’s total by 11%. Cumulative pork exports to Canada trail their 2008 pace by 2% in volume and 9% in value.

September pork exports to Russia more than doubled their August volume and value, and reached the second-highest total (to July) of the year at 17,637 metric tons (38.9 million pounds) valued at $34.9 million.

Exports to the China/Hong Kong region achieved their highest volume (20,569 metric tons or 45.3 million pounds) since April, despite the continued suspension of U.S. pork exports into mainland China. Exports to Taiwan set a monthly record in September (5,790 metric tons or 12.8 million pounds valued at $9.28 million), due in part to the impact of the recent typhoon on domestic production.

Other markets showing gains over 2008 include Australia (up 25% in volume and 23% in value), the Philippines (up 17% and 14%), the Caribbean (up 33% and 26%) and Central and South America (up 14% and 18%). U.S. pork exports to all of these markets are expected to set new records this year.

September beef plus beef variety meat exports were down 25% in volume and 34% in value from September 2008, bringing the cumulative total for the year to 660,459 metric tons (1.46 billion pounds) valued at $2.28 billion. This is 12% below last year’s pace in volume and 17% lower in value.

Much of the decline is attributable to the weak global market for beef variety meat, as January-September variety meat exports of 214,717 metric tons (473.4 million pounds) valued at $378 million trail last year’s totals by 22% in volume and 39% in value. Muscle cut exports have fared better, but still trail their 2008 pace by 6% in volume and 11% in value.

Beef exports to Japan (69,945 metric tons or 154.2 million pounds valued at nearly $360 million) are 22% higher in volume and 21% higher in value than last year. September exports continued to outperform 2008, but at a slightly slower pace due to the seasonal decline in availability of slaughter-ready cattle under 21 months of age.

“We are encouraged by the demand U.S. beef is generating in Japan, and the fact that importers, retailers and consumers are clamoring for our product,” Seng said. “But this surge in demand further highlights the need for expanded access in the market if we are going to fully rebuild the presence of U.S. beef in Japan.”

Taiwan, where U.S. beef exports had been slumping early in the year, continued its rebound in September with exports exceeding September 2008 by 26% in volume and 63% in value. These results pulled Taiwan to within 1% of the export value achieved in the first three quarters of 2008.

Hong Kong continued its remarkable surge in imports of U.S. beef in September, surpassing the September 2008 total by 88% in volume and 74% in value. Through September, exports to Hong Kong are up 110% in volume and 78% in value. September exports to Vietnam were down compared to September 2008, but are still up 23% in volume and 30% in value for the year.

Encouraging performances in these markets have been offset by declines in Mexico, Canada and Russia. Exports to Mexico are down 28% in volume and 36% in value compared to the first three quarters of 2008, while exports to Canada are down 10% and 15%, respectively. Exports to Russia have declined by 47% in value and 69% in value, with muscle cut exports plummeting nearly 80%.

U.S. lamb exports closed the third quarter at a very solid pace, fueled by continued strong performance in the Caribbean and a surge in exports to Mexico. January-September lamb plus lamb variety meat exports reached 8,344 metric tons (18.4 million pounds), which already exceeds the volume achieved in the entire calendar year of 2008. The export value of $21.1 million is 12% ahead of last year’s pace. Exports of lamb muscle cuts reached $17 million in value through September, a 7% increase over the first three quarters of last year.

On October 29, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that China intends to re-open the Chinese market to United States pork and live swine, consistent with science-based international standards. The announcement was made at the conclusion of meetings with Chinese officials at the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT).

“Two-way trade of agricultural, fish, and forest products between the U.S. and China has grown in recent years to over $21 billion per year, opening increasingly important connections that can benefit farmers, ranchers and consumers in both countries,” Secretary Vilsack said. “China’s intent to remove its H1N1-related ban on U.S. pork marks an important step forward in cooperation between the countries on agriculture issues.”

“I look forward to China resuming imports of U.S. pork products and live swine,” said Ambassador Kirk. “Based on our discussions, we expect China to base its opening on science and internationally agreed standards.”

In 2008, China was the U.S. pork industry’s fastest growing market, accounting for $560 million in U.S. exports. China’s May 2009 A/H1N1 restrictions have stopped U.S. pork exports to China. In discussions with Vice Premier Wang Qishan and Agriculture Minister Sun Zhengcai, Vilsack stressed the need for China to remove all restrictions on trade in pork products related to the H1N1 virus, given clear guidance from international bodies like the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), World Health Organization (WHO), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), that there is no risk to humans from consuming properly prepared pork and pork products.

In his first visit to China as Agriculture Secretary, Secretary Vilsack took part in the meeting of the JCCT, a bilateral forum for resolving trade issues, co-chaired by U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. Leading the delegation for China was Vice Premier Wang Qishan.

Throughout his travels in China, and earlier in the trip for a trade mission to the Philippines, Secretary Vilsack emphasized the need to keep markets open and promote food safety and workable international regulatory standards that protect consumers without creating artificial trade barriers.

On September 25, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) commended conferees on the agriculture appropriations bill on text slated for the fiscal year 2010 agriculture appropriations conference report (PDF) regarding the use of appropriated funds by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with respect to potential imports of poultry products from China. The conference agreement would allow USDA to use appropriated funds in fiscal year 2010 to promulgate or implement a rule allowing imports of processed poultry or poultry products from China only after the Secretary of Agriculture notifies Congress that certain conditions have been met.

“We applaud the conferees for finding a path forward that will permit the USDA to conduct a science-based risk assessment of Chinese processed poultry. It sends a strong signal to China that the United States abides by its trade obligations and will base decisions about imports on sound science,” said NPPC President Don Butler. “We expect China to do the same.”

As the world’s biggest exporter of pork, the U.S. pork industry has an interest in making sure that foreign governments base their trade decisions on science. Last year, the industry exported nearly $5 billion of pork, including almost $690 million to China, the second-largest destination.

NPPC was part of a coalition of agriculture and business organizations that urged Congress to look closely at the issue. In August, NPPC issued a grassroots call to action, asking pork producers around the country to contact their members of Congress and urge them to find a science-based solution to the issue. In mid-September, more than 130 pork producers came to Washington to meet with their congressional delegations on the issue.

“China is a very important market for the U.S. pork industry,” Butler said. “Given the current economic state of our industry, with producers losing more than $21 per hog over the past 2 years, U.S. pork exports to China are NPPC’s No. 1 trade priority.”

January through July exports of U.S. pork and beef are lagging behind last year’s pace amid a difficult global economic climate and lingering effects from the H1N1 influenza outbreak. The most recent statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) show pork exports (pork plus pork variety meats) of 1.08 million metric tons (2.38 billion pounds), valued at $2.53 billion. While these totals are a respective 10% and 9% below last year’space, they are still 53% higher in volume and 48% higher in value than in January-July 2007.

Beef exports (beef plus beef variety meats) of 512,053 metric tons (1.13 billion pounds) valued at $1.944 billion are 6% below last year’s volume and 10% lower in value. This difference, however, is primarily due to a weak global market for beef variety meat. Beef muscle cut exports of 338,217 metric tons (745.6 million pounds) are actually slightly above last year’s volume, while trailing in value ($1.445 billion versus $1.48 billion) by only 2%.

Mexico has been a bright spot for U.S. pork throughout 2009, but the surge in exports to Mexico suffered a setback recently during the H1N1 influenza outbreak. Japan remains the pacesetter for U.S. pork in terms of value, reaching 259,451 metric tons (572 million pounds) valued at $944.1 million through July. Other markets showing significant improvement include Australia (up 22% in volume and 21% in value) and the Caribbean (up 42% and 35%, respectively).

Pork exports to China had already slowed significantly prior to the market closing in early May due to H1N1 influenza. Pork exports to Russia are also down about 30% compared to last year, due in part to state-specific, H1N1-related market closures in May and June. July pork exports to Russia, howeer, were 19,625 metric tons (43.3 million pounds) valued at $43.1 million: nearly double the June 2009 total in volume and more than double in value.

U.S. pork exports are also holding up fairly well in terms of percentage of total production. Pork and variety meat exports accounted for 22.8% of January-July production, compared to 24.7% during the same period last year. Muscle cut exports accounted for 18.3% of production, compared to 21.5% in January-July 2008.

Slow demand in Mexico and Canada and a steep decline in beef variety meat exports are the main factors keeping U.S. beef exports below last year’s pace. Beef variety meat exports to Mexico have dropped by 35% in volume and 47% in value. Exports to Canada (about 84,000 metric tons or 185.2 million pounds, valued at $366.4 million) have fallen 12% behind last year’s volume and by 18% in value. U.S. beef continues to rebuild its presence in Asia, led by an 18% increase in Japan in January-July 2008 and a substantial increase in exports to Hong Kong.

January-July exports to Taiwan are still down slightly from last year, but showing signs of recovery. Beef exports to Vietnam have increased 38% in volume and 59% in value over January-July of 2008. July was the second consecutive month, however, in which exports to Vietnam were lower than the corresponding 2008 total. January through July exports to South Korea totaled 28,440 metric tons (or 62.7 million pounds) valued at $111.1 million.

In terms of total U.S. production, beef plus beef variety meat exports are accounting for about the same percentage as last year - 9.8% in January-July 2009, compared to 10% during the same period in 2008.

U.S. lamb and lamb variety meat exports are weathering current economic conditions well; they rose by 55% in volume and 18% in value in January-July 2008. The growth in lamb exports has been driven by strong demand in Mexico, where exports have nearly tripled over last year. The Caribbean continues to serve as a mainstay destination for U.S. lamb, despite a slight decline in volume to Bermuda when compared to last year. Bermuda’s export value, however, is still up 15% over last year, and lamb exports to the region have been further strengthened by large increases in shipments to the Bahamas and the Netherlands Antilles.

The lingering global economic slump and low prices for domestic beef and pork products in key export markets contributed to declines in both U.S. beef and pork exports in June, while lamb exports continue to enjoy a strong year, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Through the first 6 months of the year, 2009 is still shaping up as the second-best year for U.S. pork exports, but it remains 9% behind 2008 in terms of volume and 7% in value. Thus far in 2009, the U.S. has exported 925,339 metric tons (more than 2 billion pounds) of pork and pork variety meat valued at nearly $2.2 billion.

Compared to export totals in June 2008 — the second-highest single-month totals in history — combined pork and pork variety meat exports were down 31% in June 2009, totaling 133,594 metric tons (294.5 million pounds) valued at $320.4 million.

“The H1N1 influenza virus has been an important factor for U.S. pork exports,” said Jon Caspers, USMEF chairman and a pork producer from Swaledale, Iowa. “We have had market access issues in two of our top six pork export markets (China and Russia), which makes it all the more important to maintain a strong presence in our other key markets.”

Pork variety meat exports are up 27% in volume to 245,984 metric tons (542.3 million pounds), and the value of those exports is up 29% to $379.2 million.  The market for pork muscle cuts, however, is down 18% in volume to 679,355 metric tons (nearly 1.5 billion pounds) valued at almost $1.8 billion, a 12% decline.

Beef (combined muscle cuts and variety meat) exports have fared slightly better than pork, declining 2% in volume and 6% in value for the first half of 2009, reaching 435,260 metric tons (959.6 million pounds) valued at almost $1.5 billion. For the month, beef export volumes fell 13% and their value 16%.

The success of beef muscle cuts versus variety meat is the opposite of pork: beef muscle cut exports have increased 4% over the first half of 2009 to 284,388 metric tons (almost 627 million pounds) valued at $1.2 billion - a 1% increase over 2008. For the month of June, beef muscle cuts increased 2.5% in volume, while the value slipped just over 4%. This was the largest monthly beef muscle cut export volume since last October.

At the same time, U.S. beef variety meat exports were down 12% in volume (150,872 metric tons or 332.6 million pounds) for the first 6 months of 2009, while the value of those exports slipped 26% to $275.8 million. For the month, exports of beef variety meat were down 40% from last June.

The export market for U.S. lamb and lamb variety meat continues to be good. For the first 6 months of 2009, export volumes were up 58% to 5,276 metric tons (11.6 million pounds) valued at $13.9 million, a 22% jump over 2008. For the month of June, export volumes were up 119%, and the value was up 106%. Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean are the top markets for U.S. lamb.

Complete June export statistics for pork, beef, and lamb can be found online on USMEF’s statistics page.

On August 12, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) applauded the Republic of Korea’s decision to inspect only a sample of U.S. pork exports rather than 100% of them and to lift a ban on live hog imports from the United States. The restrictions were put in place in the wake of the H1N1 flu outbreak.

“South Korea’s decision is good news for U.S. pork producers,” said NPPC President Don Butler. “NPPC has been working closely with U.S. and foreign government officials to terminate all remaining H1N1 restrictions on U.S. hog and pork exports. Korea is a top market for U.S. pork exports and an important destination for swine breeding stock. Our producers are enduring very difficult financial times, and the removal of these restrictions by Korea is appreciated.”

According to the NPPC, the U.S. pork industry since September 2007 has lost nearly $4.5 billion, and producers have lost an average of more than $21 per hog marketed since then. While high production costs — mostly feed grain prices — are the primary culprit for the industry’s economic woes, restrictions on U.S. pork and hog exports put in place in early May by a number of countries that cited fears of H1N1 exacerbated the problems.

Numbers from the NPPC show that in 2008, South Korea was the sixth-largest market for U.S. pork, with exports valued at $284 million. In 2009, exports to South Korea through May were down 10% by volume and 7% in value. Breeding stock exports to South Korea also are down in 2009 because of the H1N1-related ban. The country ranked as a top destination for U.S. live hogs in 2008, with exports of $1.1 million.

South Korea’s decision to lift the restrictions is expected to restore support for the U.S.-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement, which contains tremendous benefits for U.S. pork producers, according to the NPPC.

“This is the single most important trade agreement ever for the U.S. pork industry, and it will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new export sales,” said Butler. “We need Congress to approve the FTA with South Korea as soon as possible.”

Under the terms of the FTA, tariffs on all frozen and processed pork products would be eliminated by 2014. Fresh chilled pork would be duty free 10 years after implementation. U.S. pork products currently face tariffs as high as 25%. Additionally, South Korea has agreed to accept all pork and pork products from USDA-approved facilities.

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Members of Congress Call on President Obama To Protect Foreign Markets for U.S. Pork

Nations Ban U.S. Pork, But U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Asserts Restrictions Have No Basis

In a July 21 letter written to President Barack Obama, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) urged the White House to both reaffirm the primary role of the United States Trade Representative’s Office (USTR) in representing U.S. trade interests and to press China to accept U.S. pork and beef based on sound science and trade rules.

Grassley is ranking member of the Committee on Finance, with jurisdiction over international trade. In the letter to President Obama, Grassley expressed concern that agencies including the State Department may be seeking to displace the USTR on trade matters, contrary to a congressionally established functional division more than 45 years ago.

Grassley also urged Administration officials, when meeting with a visiting delegation from China as part of the July 27-28 Strategic and Economic Dialogue, to raise the issue of China’s continued barriers to exports of U.S. pork and beef.

Grassley’s letter reads in part:

I write to express one general concern, and also to raise two specific issues with respect to our bilateral trading relationship with China in advance of the upcoming meetings of the renamed Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

First, I am concerned that the role of the United States Trade Representative as principal advisor to the President regarding the development and articulation of U.S. trade policy is being undermined by the pronouncements and efforts of other agencies, in particular the State Department. This is neither a new concern, nor is it partisan-I harbored similar reservations with respect to jurisdictional encroachment by the State and Treasury Departments under the administration of President George W. Bush. Such other departments within the Executive Branch necessarily seek to advance their own priorities that, while certainly important, may result in undue subordination of our nation’s trade interests. Indeed, it was for this very reason that Congress chose to cleave the functions of the Office of the United States Trade Representative from the State Department over 45 years ago. I urge you to reaffirm the lead role of the U.S. Trade Representative in negotiating all trade matters on behalf of your Administration.

Second, I ask that when meeting with the visiting delegation from China next week, your

Administration raise the issue of China’s continued barriers to exports of U.S. pork and beef. These scientifically unfounded barriers negatively impact producers in my home state of Iowa.

China bans imports of U.S. pork due to alleged concerns about the H1N1 virus. Yet according to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the H1N1 virus is not transmitted through food. These international organizations further state that there is no scientific justification for trade restrictions on pork and pork products on account of this virus. China also prohibits imports of U.S. beef due to alleged concerns over bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Yet, the OIE recognizes that U.S. boneless and bone-in beef derived from cattle of all ages can be traded safely due to safeguards undertaken by the United States.

The United States and China benefit by operating under a rules-based trading system, which in turn relies upon the determinations of internationally recognized scientific organizations. Such organizations have examined the scientific evidence and have concluded that U.S. pork and beef is safe and may be traded safely. I urge you to take the opportunity of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue to encourage China to base its food safety regulations on the standards of these organizations, and therefore reopen its market to imports of U.S. pork and beef.

Although May was expected to be the month in which U.S. pork exports were most affected by A-H1N1 influenza, the impact has not been as negative as some analysts had predicted, according to a recent analysis of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). At the same time, U.S. beef exports for the first 5 months of 2009 remain roughly on par with 2008.

According to the analysis, May pork plus pork variety meat exports totaled 143,682 metric tons (316.8 million pounds) valued at $342.6 million. This is down 9% in value and 9.5% in volume from April, and down a substantial 24% in value and 27% in volume compared to May 2008. Last spring was a historic high point for U.S. pork exports, however, and a repeat of those results was not anticipated even before A-H1N1 influenza hampered demand and led to significant market closures for U.S. pork.

When compared to May 2007, pork exports in May 2009 actually increased 43% in volume and 36% in value and surpassed the volume and value achieved in any single month of that year. For the first 5 months of 2009, exports are down 4% in volume to 791,745 metric tons (1.7 billion pounds) and 1% in value to $1.8 billion from the same period last year. It is also important to note that despite speculation about the domestic market absorbing excess pork due to sluggish exports, the percentage of total production exported (23.3%) is roughly on par with 2008.

“Certainly we don’t like to see a decline in pork exports for any reason,” said USMEF Chairman Jon Caspers, a pork producer from Swaledale, Iowa. “But considering the blow we were dealt by A-H1N1 influenza, on top of an already shaky global economy, the May results were not as lackluster as some had feared. But now we need to put these trade suspensions and other barriers behind us and work aggressively to ensure that these effects don’t linger.”

Some countries either fully or partially closed to U.S. pork during May, and a few markets — including China — remain closed today.

Despite being regarded as the epicenter of the A-H1N1 outbreak and enduring a week-long shutdown of most commercial activity in early May, Mexico performed fairly well for the month. Pork and pork variety meat exports to Mexico declined by about 15% from April, but volume was still 18% higher than in May 2008, totaling 34,227 metric tons (75.5 million pounds). For the first 5 months of the year, Mexico has increased its imports of U.S. pork by 48% in value and nearly 60% in volume over the same period last year. It has been the leading volume destination for U.S. pork (211,391 metric tons or 466 million pounds) and trails only Japan in terms of value ($315 million vs. $695 million to Japan).

Japan continues to perform exceptionally well for U.S. pork, with results through the first 5 months of the year surpassing last year’s record pace by 4% in volume (192,050 metric tons or 423.4 million pounds) and 17% in value. Japan is still by far the top value destination for U.S. pork, and it trails only Mexico this year in terms of volume.

Other bright spots for U.S. pork during the first 5 months of 2009 include Taiwan (up 75% in volume and 63% in value over January-May 2008), Australia (up 33% in volume and 35% in value), the Caribbean region (up 56% in volume and 53% in value), and Central and South America (up 25% in volume and 37% in value).

Exports to the Hong Kong/China market, on the other hand, have declined by 46% in volume and 48% in value, while those to Russia have fallen by 34% in volume and 35% in value. These results are due in part to the trade suspensions imposed as a result of A-H1N1 influenza, but both countries have also been making concerted efforts to bolster domestic pork production and reduce their reliance on imports.

U.S. beef muscle cuts plus variety meat exports remain on a pace roughly equal to last year, totaling 358,190 metric tons (789.7 million pounds) valued at $1.2 billion through May. This represents a 1% increase in volume and a 3% decline in value compared to the same period in 2008.

Individual market results have been extremely mixed, due in large part to the varied impact of the global economic recession. Despite limited market access for U.S. beef, Japan has increased its imports by 21% in volume to 29,198 metric tons (64.4 million pounds) and 22% in value ($152.6 million) over last year. Though Mexico remains the No. 1 destination for U.S. beef exports, it has seen a 21% decline in imports of U.S. beef, for a total of 128,875 metric tons (284.1 million pounds), and a 24% drop in value to $419.1 million.

In addition to Japan, beef exports have increased sharply to Vietnam (up 86% in volume and 124% in value over January-May 2008) and Hong Kong (up 41% in volume and 23% in value).

Other markets showing declines include Canada (down 11% in volume and 16% in value from 2008), Taiwan (down 10% in volume and value), and the Philippines (down 38% in volume and 32% in value). Russia’s imports of U.S. beef have increased 22% in volume but have declined 46% in value, as the market has shifted away from the U.S. muscle meats it was purchasing in large quantities last year and is now importing mostly variety meat.

According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) statistics released on June 11, exports of U.S. pork and beef held up reasonably well in the month of April despite the prolonged slowdown in global economic activity and the initial wave of swine flu-related market reactions. Although pork plus pork variety meat exports declined by 10% in volume compared to April 2008, the drop in value was limited to roughly 4%. For the first 4 months of the year, pork export volume (648,063 metric tons or 1.43 billion pounds) is approximately 3% above the record pace of 2008, and the value has increased roughly 6% to $1.495 billion.

April beef and beef variety meat exports declined 1.4% in volume and by 6% in value compared to last year. For the first 4 months of the year, beef export volume has increased 2% to 277,019 metric tons (610.7 million pounds) but declined slightly in value to $937 million.

“The good news is that in spite of the turmoil we saw in the latter part of the month, April pork exports were not down as much as had been predicted given the continued economic slump,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “But while international markets are still a relative bright spot for the pork industry, we know they’re one part in the profitability of the U.S. pork industry. USMEF’s team around the world is focused on expanding export opportunities and helping to provide the kind of momentum hog producers need right now.”

Mexico continues to be an excellent market for U.S. pork in 2009, with April exports to the country climbing 61% in volume and 50% in value compared to last year. For the first 4 months of the year, pork export volume to Mexico is up 71% to 177,164 metric tons (390.6 million pounds), and the value has increased 62% to $265 million. April export results, however, reflect only a partial-month impact from A-H1N1 Influenza. Because inventories backed up during the influenza-related slowdown of business activity in Mexico and consumer demand for pork is only recently returning to normal, USMEF believes the situation is likely to have a noticeable impact on May export results.

Japan is performing well in 2009, with pork export volume for the first 4 months of the year increasing 9% to 158,265 metric tons (348.9 million pounds) and value up 24% to $571 million. The April volume was down slightly due to higher inventories and lower domestic pork prices, but exports still increased in value by nearly 19%.

Other markets performing well in April included the Caribbean, where pork exports increased by 60% in volume and nearly 50% in value over last year. For January-April, pork exports to the region have climbed 70% in volume and 66% in value over 2008. April exports to Taiwan increased 46% in volume and 43% in value compared to April 2008, and in the first 4 months of the year have more than doubled in both volume and value over last year’s totals.

With regard to beef, exports to Mexico and Canada — the top two markets for U.S. beef in 2008 — continue to struggle due to a number of factors. Exchange rates are far less favorable than last year, and the down economy, especially in Mexico, has steered consumers toward lower-priced proteins. As a result, beef exports to Mexico are down more than 20% in volume and value compared to the first 4 months of last year.

U.S. beef exports to Canada have declined roughly 10% in volume and 16% in value compared to 2008. Although a decline in live cattle imports from Canada into the United States might suggest an increase in domestic supply, Canada’s cattle slaughter is actually down approximately 2% from last year. This reflects a continued contraction in the Canadian cattle herd, which may bode well for increased beef exports to Canada once more favorable economic conditions return.

The ASEAN region has been important for U.S. beef exports this year, and April was no exception. Exports to the region increased by both 72% in volume and 72% in value (to $78 million) over April 2008. Led by a surge in activity in Vietnam, exports to the ASEAN region have increased by 63% in volume (to 26,030 metric tons or 57.4 million pounds) and 93% in value (to $84.3 million) over January-April of last year.

Japan continues to regain strength as a destination for U.S. beef, with April exports climbing by 10% over April 2008. For the first 4 months of the year, beef exports to Japan have increased by about 25% in both volume and value compared the same period last year, totaling 19,914 metric tons (43.9 million pounds) valued at about $106 million.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the countries of Armenia, Bahrain, China, Croatia, Ecuador, Honduras, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Russia, Saint Lucia, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan have banned pork imports from the United States, Mexico, and Canada as of May 7, 2009.

The new export requirements for pork products vary by country. More information about specific export regulations for each country is available via the following FSIS links:

• Armenia
• Bahrain
• China
• Croatia
• Ecuador
• Honduras
• Indonesia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Malaysia
• Russia
• Saint Lucia
• Thailand
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan