U.S. pork exports trended higher year-over-year in January, led by another outstanding performance from leading market Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). January beef exports were lower than a year ago due to the prolonged lockout in China, but export value per head of fed slaughter was more than $415 – the highest since March and reflecting solid demand in other markets. Beef variety meats were a major bright spot, with export value topping the previous monthly high reached in December.
Broad-based growth for January pork exports
January pork exports totaled 250,861 metric tons (mt), up 3% from a year ago, while value increased 4% to $692.1 million. In addition to Mexico, exports were larger year-over-year to Japan, South Korea, Canada, Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the ASEAN and Taiwan.
“Very impressive start to the year for U.S. pork in Mexico and other Western Hemisphere markets, but strengthening demand in Asian destinations is especially encouraging,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The U.S. industry continues to capitalize on consumers’ growing demand for convenience-oriented products at both retail and foodservice, and this is reflected in our recent export results.”
Beef variety meats shine in January, but China remains absent
Beef exports totaled 92,558 mt in January, down 10% year-over-year. But value fell just 3% to $780.1 million, as exports have commanded higher prices. However, prices are still not being maximized to the degree that would be possible with China back in the mix. When excluding China from the January results, exports increased 5% in volume and climbed 16% in value. January beef shipments trended higher year-over-year to Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the Caribbean, the ASEAN and South America, with export value also increasing to Mexico, Canada and Central America.
Beef variety meat exports were especially strong in January, increasing 6% from a year ago to 27,511 mt (the largest in more than four years), while value soared 46% to a record $126 million.
“Beef variety meat value reaching new heights for the second consecutive month is great news for cattle producers and for the entire supply chain,” Halstrom said. “With cattle numbers being tight, it is more critical than ever to maximize the value of every animal. And while much of this export growth was driven by tongues and skirts going to Japan, demand was strong in a wide range of markets.”
January lamb exports down slightly from a year ago
Coming off a robust performance in 2025, January exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 238 mt, down 7% from a year ago, while value fell 1% to $1.44 million. Exports increased year-over-year to the Bahamas, Japan, Taiwan, Costa Rica and Panama, but shipments to Mexico trended lower and no exports were reported to Canada.
A detailed summary of the January export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.
