US beef exports fall to five-year low in July – USMEF

USA – U.S. beef exports have declined to their lowest July level in five years as restrictions in China cut into shipments, according to data from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

The decline was driven by China’s suspension of several U.S. processing plants, which sharply reduced volumes to one of the country’s key destinations for beef.

In contrast, U.S. pork exports remained more stable during the month, totaling 238,922 metric tons, which was only 1 percent lower than a year earlier.

The value of pork shipments fell more sharply, down 4 percent to US$680.9 million, as weaker variety meat prices offset relatively steady demand for muscle cuts.

Through the first seven months of 2025, pork exports reached 1.69 million metric tons, valued at US$4.8 billion, placing them 4 percent behind the record pace set in 2024.

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said Mexico continues to be the largest market for U.S. pork, even though July volumes did not match the unusually high levels recorded last year.

He noted that shipments to Central and South America showed strong results, while exports to major Asian buyers remained close to last year’s volumes, with variety meat sales expanding across several regions.

Australia easing beef import rules

At the same time, Australia has announced that it will loosen restrictions on beef imports from the U.S., citing improvements in disease monitoring and cattle tracking systems.

The agriculture ministry said the decision followed a scientific review that concluded U.S. safeguards against bovine spongiform encephalopathy and other risks were sufficient to protect Australia’s livestock sector.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins explained that while Australia supports trade, the country will continue to enforce strict biosecurity measures to prevent animal diseases.

The ban had been in place since 2003 following concerns about mad cow disease, though beef from cattle entirely born, raised, and slaughtered in the U.S. has been allowed since 2019.

That requirement limited trade volumes, as many U.S. beef suppliers source animals across borders with Canada and Mexico, making compliance difficult.

With updated tracking measures now in place, Australia will allow imports of beef from cattle born in Canada or Mexico if they are legally imported and processed in the U.S.

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