Building on a robust first half of 2023, July pork exports continue to outpace 2022 levels. USDA data showed July pork exports at 219,000 metric tons, up five percent from last year, while export value rose one percent to $628.7 million. Exports to the top market, Mexico, continued at a record pace.

Through the first seven months of this year, exports were 13 percent higher than last year’s pace at 1.69 million metric tons. Beef exports stepped back in July, posting the lowest volume since January. July beef exports totaled 103,167 metric tons, 18 percent below last year. Beef export value was down 19 percent to $810.4 million, the lowest since February. Exports posted gains in Mexico, Taiwan, and Canada.

“Market diversification has been the top priority for the U.S. pork industry, and those efforts certainly reflect these results,” said Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.