June export data, released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, reflected a challenging first half of 2015 for U.S. pork, beef and lamb exports.

June pork exports totaled 174,554 metric tons, down 4% from a year ago. With pork prices down significantly from last year’s high levels, June export value fell 22% year-over-year to $454 million. For the first half of 2015, pork exports were down 5% in volume (1.09 million mt) and 16% in value ($2.88 billion).

Beef export volume in June was down 8% from a year ago to 96,716 mt, while export value fell 9% to $578.9 million. This was the second consecutive month that export value fell below last year’s level, resulting in first-half value being steady with 2014’s pace at $3.26 billion. First-half volume was down 10% to 527,109 mt.

“We were aware that exports would be facing obstacles in 2015, and that keeping pace with last year’s record performance would be difficult,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. “The first-quarter slump was partially due to the West Coast port labor impasse, as well as intense competition from countries that continue to recognize opportunities in several markets. We were expecting to see a stronger rebound in the second quarter – and that did not materialize.”

Seng added that, while marketing budgets remain flat, competitors are beefing up efforts to capture larger shares of the red meat market. Competition continues to be a major factor, along with a strong U.S. dollar that is providing a price advantage for several competitors with slumping currencies. The European Union, for one, has been aggressive in targeting specific markets, and large supplies of European pork are making it into the coveted Asian market. This development is due in large part to the closure of Russia, traditionally the EU’s largest pork export market. Russia’s suspension of pork imports from the EU – originally due to African swine fever but reinforced by a trade embargo related to the conflict in Ukraine – has now lasted more than 18 months.

Australian beef production was expected to ramp down in 2015 as the industry entered herd-rebuilding mode after several years of poor grazing conditions. But with disappointing rainfall in Australia and attractive slaughter cattle prices, beef production and exports remained record-large through the first half of the year – though some slowdown was seen in July.

Mexico, Korea were first-half bright spots for U.S. pork

June pork exports to Mexico were the largest since March, up 13% from a year ago to 62,112 mt. While first-half export value ($619.3 million, down 18%) reflected lower prices for hams and other cuts typically shipped to Mexico, export volume remained strong (353,296 mt, up 6%).

Pork exports to South Korea moderated in June to 12,512 mt, up 55% from a year ago but the smallest volume since November 2014. June export value was $33.1 million, up 17%. Korea’s first-half performance was stellar, with volume increasing 40% to 108,198 mt and value up 35% to $318.2 million.

Other first-half results for U.S. pork exports included:

“Our limited access to China has become a major obstacle for U.S. pork, especially with competition intensifying in so many other global markets,” Seng said. “It’s a situation that absolutely must be addressed in order for U.S. exports to regain momentum.”

January-to-June pork exports accounted for 25% of total production and 21% for muscle cuts only (down from 28% and 24%, respectively, in the first half of last year). Export value averaged $50.85 per head slaughtered, down 22% year-over-year and 5% lower than in 2013.

Beef exports strong to Korea and Taiwan, but most markets lower year-over-year

January-to-June beef exports accounted for 13% of total production and 10% for muscle cuts only (down from 14% and 11%, respectively, in the first half of last year). Export value averaged $291.70 per head of fed slaughter, up 7% year-over-year. 

Beef exports to Korea overcame a slow start in 2015, finishing the first half up 8% in volume (61,190 mt) and 12% in value ($423.7 million). June exports were the largest in more than two years at 12,622 mt (up 30%) valued at $81.8 million (up 17%).

First-half beef exports to Taiwan were up 2% in volume (16,506 mt) and 13% in value ($150.5 million). June was an especially strong month, hitting a record volume of 4,185 mt (up 32% from a year ago) valued at $33 million (up 13%).

Other first-half results for U.S. beef exports included: