U.S. beef exports set record; pork declines

摘要

U.S. beef and pork exports closed 2013 on a mixed note. Beef exports eclipsed the $6 billion mark for the first time, setting a new annual value record. At the same time, pork exports declined below 2012's record highs, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.Beef exports continued their surge in December, surpassing year-ago totals by nearly 13% in volume and 20% in value, led by growth in sales to Japan, Mexico, Hong Kong, and Central and South America. 2013 totals were up 3% in volume to 1.17 million metric tons, or mt, and 12% in value to $6,157 billion, breaking the 2012 value record.