Exports of U.S. pork and beef trended lower in May, due primarily to steep declines in shipments to China, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). May exports of U.S. lamb cuts increased year-over-year, driven mainly by growing demand in Mexico.
In April and the first half of May, China’s total tariff rate on U.S. pork peaked at 172%, while the rate for U.S. beef was 147%. Even following a May 14 joint announcement temporarily easing tariffs for 90 days, China’s rates still stand at 57% for U.S. pork and 32% for U.S. beef. In addition, most U.S. beef production is ineligible due to China’s failure – since February – to renew expiring beef plant and cold storage facility registrations.
“The situation with China obviously had a severe impact on May exports, underscoring the importance of diversification and further development of alternative markets,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The need for progress in the U.S.-China trade negotiations is extremely urgent because tariffs could soar again on Aug. 12. This deadline is already impacting exporters’ decisions about whether to continue producing for the Chinese market. On the bright side, amid all this uncertainty, demand for U.S. red meat remains robust in many key regions.”
Pork exports lower overall, but Latin American markets shined in May
May pork exports totaled 224,162 metric tons (mt), down 11% from a year ago, while value fell 10% to $646.5 million. Although these were the lowest monthly totals since September 2023, shipments increased year-over-year to Mexico, Central America and Colombia, and were record-large to Cuba. Pork exports to all of these markets are on a record pace in 2025.
Pork exports to China, which are mainly variety meat, dropped to just 6,720 mt in May, down 82% from a year ago, while value fell 77% to $20.7 million.
Through the first five months of the year, pork exports were down 6% in volume (1.22 million mt) and 5% in value ($3.43 billion) compared to the record pace of 2024.
May beef exports to Korea largest in more than two years
Beef exports totaled 97,266 mt in May, down 12% and the lowest in nearly five years. Export value was $798.7 million, down 11.5% and the lowest in 18 months. But exports to leading market South Korea were outstanding, posting the largest monthly volume in more than two years and the highest value in nearly three years. May beef exports also trended higher year-over-year to Central and South America, the Dominican Republic, the United Arab Emirates and Africa.
May beef exports to China plunged to just under 1,400 mt, down 91% from a year ago. Export value fell 90% to less than $15 million.
January-May beef exports were down 5% from last year’s pace at 508,293 mt, while value declined 3% to $4.15 billion.
May lamb exports largest of 2025
May exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts reached a 2025 high of 363 mt, essentially doubling (up 99%) from a year ago, while value increased 71% to $1.8 million. The increase was driven mainly by growth in Mexico, where exports were the largest since 2019 at nearly 200 mt. May shipments also rebounded to Canada.
January-May lamb exports were 44% above last year at 1,367 mt, while value climbed 25% to $7.4 million. Exports to Mexico surged more than 80% in both volume (673 mt) and value ($2.34 million), driven by growing demand for alternative cuts such as shoulder and breast meat. Exports to the Caribbean, which remains the leading value destination for U.S. lamb, also increased year-over-year.
A detailed summary of the January-May export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.
