The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected livestock, poultry and dairy exports of $12.4 billion in 2003 - $200 million down on the previous August estimate. The projection for hides and skin exports remained unchanged at $1.8 billion. Somewhat weaker export unit values will help support U.S. beef in increasingly competitive world markets, USDA says. Upward revisions for beef and pork were offset by reduced prospects for broiler meat.

Year-to-year export quantities are expected to remain steady for North American markets. Shipments to East Asian markets other than Japan meanwhile are expected to rise. U.S. beef exports to Korea doubled in 2001 and further gains are expected in 2003. U.S. pork exports to Japan and Mexico, the top two major markets are also expected to rise.

The overall U.S. agricultural export projection was reduced from August by $500 million to $57 billion, but remains well above the $53.3 billion shipped in fiscal 2002.

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