U.S. pork exports rise while beef shipments to China stall
Beef shipments fall to five-year lows as trade with China faces blockages.
USA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released delayed red meat export figures for September following the recent government shutdown.
Data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation shows U.S. pork exports held steady in value compared with last year, although total volume decreased slightly.
Beef exports in September dropped to their lowest level in over five years, largely due to halted shipments to China and reduced demand in other Asian markets.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said that while international demand for U.S. pork remains consistent, the situation for beef is complicated by continued restrictions in China.
He added that American producers are incurring mounting losses as the Chinese government fails to honor commitments under the U.S.-China Phase One trade agreement.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is reviewing China’s adherence to the Phase One Agreement through a Section 301 investigation, with a public hearing scheduled for December 16.
USMEF has submitted formal comments to USTR outlining China’s lack of compliance on red meat trade obligations.
U.S. pork exports totaled 233,816 metric tons in September, representing a 2 percent decline in volume from the previous year.
The export value remained stable at US$683.9 million, led by a record US$260 million in sales to Mexico.
Muscle cut exports increased slightly to US$586.2 million, while exports of pork variety meats decreased, partly because of retaliatory tariffs imposed by China.
Excluding Chinese trade, U.S. pork shipments in September were 4 percent higher than the same period last year, showing growth in other international markets.
Through the first nine months of 2025, pork exports fell 3 percent below the record volumes and values of 2024, totaling 2.16 million metric tons and US$6.16 billion.
When excluding China, the reduction in both volume and value was limited to just 1 percent, indicating steady demand elsewhere.
Exports to Mexico, which have already surpassed US$2 billion this year, and to Central America, are on track to reach new annual highs.
Shipments also increased in Colombia, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, and Vietnam during January through September, contributing to the overall stability in U.S. pork trade.
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