Beef Exports Are Up This Year

The U.S. continued to be a net exporter of beef and veal products (on a tonnage basis) in August.  U.S. beef and veal export tonnage (carcass weight equivalent) totaled 229.5 million pounds, 3 percent larger than 2002 levels. On a monthly basis, U.S. beef and veal exports were down 13.7 million pounds from July and about 30 million pounds from June.

Through August, U.S. beef exports continued to substitute for Canadian product that was banned from world markets.  

Of the major trading partners, only exports to Korea and Mexico showed significant year-to-year increases, up 19 and 3 percent from a year ago. 

In August, U.S. imports of beef and veal were down again from last year, due to tight restrictions on Canadian beef.  During August, the U.S. imported 193 million pounds (carcass weight basis) of beef, down 28 percent  from a year ago.  The U.S. imported more beef from New Zealand (up 33 percent) and Mexico (25 percent).

  On a tonnage basis the U.S. was a net exporter of beef in June, July and August.  That trend could continue, but given the recent rise in wholesale beef prices, U.S. beef sales will more than likely decline this fall, leading to the U.S. being a net importer of beef during the remainder of 2003.

Source:  Livestock Marketing Information Center