USMEF expects rebound in US beef demand
08/04/2016
Beef exports totalled 83,203 tonnes, up slightly from last year, while value dropped 18% to $437 million, according to the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
“Given the headwinds US exports faced early last year, including the severe congestion in the West Coast ports, we expected to see year-to-year increases in most markets, but the actual picture was mixed,” said USMEF CEO Philip Seng.
“Beef exports did rebound in most Asian markets compared to February 2015, but these gains were largely offset by declines in our neighbouring markets.
“US beef is well-positioned to regain market share in Asia this year. Increased slaughter numbers are generating larger supplies of the cuts needed to serve our Asian customers, and this will bolster our marketing efforts in both the foodservice and retail sectors. But we need to find even more innovative ways to maintain beef demand in Mexico, where the weak peso has effectively offset any softening of US beef prices.”
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