US beef variety meat exports to Egypt rise 6% in April

EGYPT – US beef variety meat exports to Egypt increased by 6% year on year in April 2026 to 2,695 metric tonnes, while export value rose 26% to US$6.7 million, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

The increase contrasted with overall US beef export performance during the month, as total beef and variety meat shipments fell 11% to 89,783 metric tonnes, with export value declining 5% to US$780.6 million amid restricted access to major markets such as China.

Egypt remained one of the stronger destinations for US exporters, supported by continued demand for beef variety meats, including livers, hearts, kidneys and other edible offal, which are widely consumed in the country’s food market.

Between January and April 2026, cumulative US beef variety meat exports to Egypt reached 11,888 metric tonnes, representing a 10% decline in volume compared with the same period last year.

Despite the lower shipment volumes, export value for the four-month period increased 12% to US$28.1 million, indicating stronger average prices for products sold into the Egyptian market.

Industry data show that Egypt continues to be an important destination for US beef variety meats, which attract higher international demand than in the domestic US market due to their affordability and use in a range of traditional dishes.

Export market remains important

Variety meats also add value to each animal processed, providing US beef producers with an additional revenue stream from products with relatively limited domestic demand.

The export trade for these products has become increasingly important as US cattle supplies remain tight and domestic beef prices stay elevated, helping processors maximise returns from each carcass.

Industry observers attributed the April growth to continued consumer demand for affordable animal protein in Egypt, alongside competitive pricing and established halal certification programmes that meet the country’s import requirements.

The performance also reflected continued demand for US variety meats in several international markets, including Mexico and parts of Asia, even as exporters continue to face wider challenges in the global beef trade.

US exporters are also navigating tighter cattle supplies, exchange rate fluctuations in some overseas markets and ongoing geopolitical trade uncertainties that have affected access to several destinations.

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