China Duties and Trade Issues Cause Us Meat Export Slowdown
In April, U.S. pork exports dropped to 237,250 metric tons (mt), down 15% from last year, the lowest in 10 months. The export value also fell 13% to $675.3 million. China’s steep retaliatory duties—peaking at 172% before being reduced to 57% in May—were a major reason for the decline. April shipments to China, mostly pork variety meats, fell 35%.
Mexico, the top buyer of U.S. pork, also imported less in April—91,441 mt, down 15% in volume and 18% in value from last year’s record. However, total pork exports to Mexico from January to April were steady at 385,844 mt, with value slightly higher at $835.6 million. Meanwhile, exports to Colombia surged 58% in volume and 68% in value. Central America also showed strong growth, with exports rising 6% in volume and 12% in value.
Beef exports were also affected. In April, they totaled 100,659 mt, down 10% from last year, with value down 8% to $824.5 million. Exports to China dropped nearly 70% due to expired plant registrations and tariffs as high as 147%, which were lowered to 32% in May. Shipments also fell to Mexico, Taiwan, and the Middle East.
Still, South Korea, Japan, and Central and South America offered relief. South Korea imported 23,460 mt of U.S. beef in April, up 18%, worth $216.4 million. Colombia saw a 128% jump in beef imports, while Central America’s demand rose 18% in volume and 53% in value.
Experts believe trade talks between the U.S. and China may help resolve issues. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to find new markets for pork and beef products previously sold to China.
USMEF continues to work toward trade diversification to support American farmers.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic