U-S beef exports soared to another new value record in March, reaching $1.07 billion, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U-S Meat Export Federation.  Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO, reports that beef exports raced to a record pace in the first quarter, topping $3 billion, led by top markets in South Korea, Japan and China/Hong Kong.  But Halstrom cautions that exports to China have slowed during the recent COVID lockdowns, and second quarter results will show more of an impact.  He adds that strong beef demand in Latin America and a rebound in the Middle East have also contributed to broad-based export growth in 2022.

March pork exports were the largest since November, but well below the record-large totals posted in March of 2021.  Halstrom believes U-S meat exports will remain strong for the next quarter, although he does anticipate some pull back.