Beef Exports Show Signs of Rebound

Although below last year’s high volume, March beef exports were the largest since October, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports totaled 120,495 metric tons (mt) in March, down 5% from a year ago. Export value fell 17% to $892.6 million, but both volume and value were the highest in five months. Through the first quarter, beef exports were down 8% year-over-year to 326,494 mt, valued at $2.35 billion (down 22%). 

March beef exports to Mexico were well above last year, while export growth to the Caribbean was highlighted by a record month for the Dominican Republic.