US beef exports fall 11% in April amid China market disruption – USMEF

USA – U.S. beef exports totaled 89,783 metric tons in April 2026, reflecting an 11% decline compared with the same month a year earlier, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Export value for the month fell 5% year-on-year to US$780.6 million, reflecting weaker overall demand conditions in key international markets.

The decline was largely attributed to continued trade disruption with China, which significantly reduced shipments despite improving expectations for future market re-entry.

Exports to several major destinations also declined, although shipments to Taiwan, Egypt, the Caribbean, and ASEAN markets recorded year-on-year gains.

Beef variety meat exports remained a strong segment, increasing 20% to 25,314 metric tons, with Mexico leading growth in both volume and value.

Export value of beef variety meats rose 40% to US$114.7 million, marking sustained strength in offal demand across key import markets.

Cumulative exports for January through April 2026 totaled 365,138 metric tons, down 11% compared with the same period in the previous year.

Total export value over the same period declined 5% to US$3.13 billion, although results excluding China showed a 0.3% increase in volume and a 7% rise in value.

Shipments to Taiwan increased 9% in April to 4,892 metric tons, while value rose 3% to US$55.8 million, supported by its continued role as a major chilled beef importer.

Exports to the Caribbean grew 17% to 3,275 metric tons, with value rising 35% to US$38.6 million, driven by stronger demand across multiple island markets.

Beef shipments to the ASEAN region surged 48% to 3,555 metric tons, with value increasing 50% to just under US$30 million, led by recovery in Indonesia and stronger demand in Vietnam.

Exports to Korea declined 14% in volume to 20,206 metric tons and fell 7% in value to US$200.2 million, though the market still exceeded US$200 million for a second consecutive month.

Shipments to Japan decreased 22% to 17,563 metric tons, with value down 15% to US$140.1 million, reflecting reduced demand for muscle cuts.

Exports to Mexico declined 3% in April to 17,062 metric tons, while value fell 5% to US$102.2 million, although year-to-date value still showed moderate growth.

Shipments to Central America fell 7% to 1,967 metric tons, but value increased 2% to US$18.6 million, supported by stronger pricing in key markets.

Exports to Egypt rose 6% to 2,695 metric tons, with value increasing 26% to US$6.7 million, driven largely by demand for livers and other variety meats.

Exports to Peru surged 60% to 841 metric tons, with value increasing 76% to nearly US$7 million, reflecting strong growth in variety meat trade.

Industry data showed export value per head of fed slaughter reached US$415.88 in April, up 5% year-on-year, reflecting improved per-animal export returns.

Exports accounted for 12.5% of total U.S. beef production in April, down slightly from the previous year, indicating a modest decline in export dependence within overall production.

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