Exports of U.S. pork bounced back in June, finishing the first half of 2025 on a high note, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef export volume was the lowest in five years, due in part to China’s failure to renew registrations for the vast majority of U.S. plants.
June pork highlights include value surge for Mexico, variety meat rebound
June pork exports totaled 239,304 metric tons (mt), up 7% from a year ago, while value increased 3.5% to $682.6 million. Export value to Mexico was the second highest on record at nearly $250 million, with shipments to Mexico, Central America and Colombia remaining on a record pace. June exports also increased year-over-year to the Caribbean and Vietnam. Pork variety meat exports increased 10% from a year ago, due in part to a rebound in shipments to China.
For the first half of the year, pork exports were down 4% from last year’s record pace at 1.46 million mt. Export value was $4.11 billion, down 3.5% from a year ago but still the third highest first-half total on record.
“We anticipated a June rebound for pork, following the de-escalation of trade tensions with China after the negotiations held in Geneva in May,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “China still tariffs most U.S. pork items at 57%, but at least the industry can move some pork variety meats at that rate. Elsewhere, June was another terrific month for U.S. pork in Mexico and demand was outstanding in Central America and Colombia. These critical free trade agreement partners continue to shine, as U.S. pork underpins consumption growth across the region.”
June beef exports sharply lower, but bright spots include Korea, Mexico, Central and South America
Beef exports totaled 93,928 mt in June, down 15% from a year ago and the lowest since June 2020. Export value was $769 million, down 18% and the lowest in 17 months. Shipments to Korea and Mexico were steady with year-ago levels, while exports increased sharply to Central and South America and variety meat demand strengthened in Egypt and in several emerging markets in Africa. But these gains did not fully offset the steep decline in exports to China and lower shipments to Japan.
For January through June, beef exports were 6.5% below last year’s pace at 602,221 mt, while value fell 6% to $4.92 billion.
Lack of access to China not only results directly in lost business and missed opportunities, but the U.S. beef industry is also losing the premiums generated when Chinese buyers compete for cuts that are especially popular throughout Asia, such as short plate, top blade, chuck rolls and short ribs. Without exports to China, USMEF estimates the U.S. beef industry’s lost opportunity at $150 to $165 per head of fed slaughter, or about $4 billion annually.
“The June export results really underscore the urgent need to resolve this impasse with China,” Halstrom said. “China’s tariff rate on U.S. beef is currently 32% – which is too high, but not insurmountable. The problem is, with only a few plants eligible to ship to China, the tariff rate becomes irrelevant. Consistent and transparent plant approvals, without expiration, were among the most important components of the 2020 Phase One Agreement with China, and it’s time for China to return to those commitments.”
While USMEF remains hopeful that access to China will be restored soon, the current situation highlights the importance of diversification and further development of emerging markets such as Central America and Southeast Asia.
June lamb exports above year-ago, but lowest of 2025
Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 223 mt in June, up 37% from last year’s low volume, and export value was $905,000, up 21% from a year ago. However, both export volume and value were the lowest this year. Led by growth in Mexico, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward-Windward Islands and Turks and Caicos, January-June lamb exports increased 43% to 1,590 mt, valued at $8.3 million (up 25%).
A detailed summary of the January-June export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.
