In June, the value of U.S. beef exports increased from a year ago despite lower volumes, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). June pork exports were below last year, largely due to a sharp decline in pork variety meat exports attributable to pseudorabies-related restrictions, which have since been lifted by Mexico and Colombia.
Outstanding first half for beef exports to Taiwan and Latin American markets
June beef exports totaled 88,586 metric tons (mt), down 6% from a year ago. However, export value was up 3% to $790.1 million, bolstered by year-over-year increases in Japan, Taiwan, the ASEAN region, Central America, South Korea, Hong Kong, the Caribbean and Africa. Export value was nearly steady to the Middle East but declined to Mexico, Canada and China.
For the first half of 2026, beef export volume was 9% lower than a year ago at 545,649 mt, while value fell 4% to $4.74 billion. Much of this decline was due to the continued absence from China, where beef exports were strong in the first quarter of 2025 before China allowed U.S. facility registrations to expire. Although these registrations were renewed during President Trump’s visit to China in May, exports to China remain minimal due to plant suspensions and uncertainty over China’s residue testing – trade barriers that U.S. officials are working to resolve. When China is removed from the January-June results, beef export volume declined just 1% from the first half of last year while export value increased 6%.
“While we never want to see exports down year-over-year, global demand for U.S. beef continues to be very resilient,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “USMEF greatly appreciates the Trump administration’s persistent efforts to resolve the outstanding issues facing U.S. beef exports to China. The economic situation throughout Asia remains challenging, with lost purchasing power in U.S. dollar terms, yet customers continue to purchase a wide range of U.S. beef cuts, at record prices. This gives us an optimistic outlook for the second half.”
Robust first half for pork exports to Japan and Western Hemisphere markets
Pork exports totaled 224,822 mt in June, down 6% from a year ago, with value falling 9% to $624.5 million. While pork muscle cuts were modestly lower, most of the decline was due to a 21% drop in pork variety meat exports. As USMEF previously reported, Mexico and Colombia suspended imports of U.S. pork offal at the beginning of May, and this situation was not resolved until early July for Colombia and mid-July for Mexico. Fortunately, these countries have now removed pseudorabies-related restrictions on pork variety meat, though exporters still face prolonged clearance times in China due to heightened inspections.
June pork exports to Mexico were still relatively strong, though down significantly from the large totals posted a year ago. Exports increased year-over-year in June to Japan, Colombia, Central America and the Dominican Republic, but declined to China, Korea, Oceania and the ASEAN region.
For the first half of 2026, pork exports totaled 1.51 million mt, up 4% from a year ago, while value increased 3% to $4.22 billion. Export volume to Mexico was slightly lower, but value remained steady with last year’s record pace. Exports are also on a record pace to Central America and the Dominican Republic and increased substantially to Japan.
“Although the June data certainly show the impact of Mexico’s restrictions on U.S. pork variety meats, the good news is that this issue was resolved the right way – with full access restored and no limits on pipeline product,” Halstrom explained. “USMEF greatly appreciates the engagement by USDA, which resulted in the full lifting of the restrictions imposed by Mexico and Colombia. Meanwhile, thanks to an outstanding performance in Japan and the CAFTA-DR region, pork exports are not far off the record pace we saw in 2024.”
Mexico, Central America lead June rebound in lamb exports
Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 235 mt in June, up 5% from a year ago, while value nearly doubled to $1.8 million (up 95%). Exports to Mexico have trended lower in 2026 but bounced back strongly in June to reach 117 mt, up 23% and the largest since May 2025. June export value to Mexico was $956,000, up 169% and the highest monthly value since 2012. June shipments were also higher to Costa Rica and Honduras and were fairly steady to the Caribbean.
In the first half of the year, lamb muscle cut exports were 6% below last year in volume (1,492 mt) but increased 6% in value to $8.8 million. Value growth was led mainly by the Bahamas and Leeward-Windward Islands, but value also increased to Central America, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
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.
