April US pork exports achieved gains in a wide range of markets, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation, while beef exports were less than the very large totals posted a year ago.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said in a USMEF release of the data that for beef and pork exports, it was imperative that West Coast port terminal operators reach a contract agreement with longshoremen.
“While there has been no formal strike or lockout, sporadic work stoppages on the West Coast are a major concern for exporters and their international customers,” Halstrom said. “This is especially true for companies shipping chilled beef or pork to Asia. For that business, reliability and timeliness are paramount.”
PORK EXPORTS UP 15%
Propelled by another month of widespread growth, April pork exports totaled 243,789 tonnes, up 30,913, or 14.5%, from 212,876 tonnes a year ago, while value increased $59.403 million, or 9.89%, to $660.072 million from $600.669 million.
For January through April, pork exports climbed 117,676 tonnes, or 14.0%, to 960,480 tonnes from 842,804, valued at $2.624 billion, up $311 million, or 13.4%, from $2.313 billion.
Pork exports to Mexico have soared to another record pace in 2023, and April again was a strong month, with volume increasing 9% year-over-year to 80,214 tonnes, valued at $149.6 million (up 7%), the USMEF release said. For January through April, shipments to Mexico topped last year by 10% in volume at 350,270 tonnes and 27% in value or $691.3 million.
While much of the volume is destined for further processing, the US industry continues to make strides in Mexico’s retail and food service sectors, the USMEF said.
BEEF EXPORTS DOWN 10%
April beef exports totaled 111,416 tonnes, down 12,992, or 10.4%, from 124,408 last year, while value fell $194.495 million, or 18.5%, to $859.505 million from $1.054 billion.
Through the first four months of 2023, beef exports were down 40,350 tonnes, or 8.44%, in volume to 437,910 tonnes from 478,260 last year and were $842 million, or 20.8%, lower in value at $3.212 billion compared with last year’s record pace of $4.054 billion.
April was another good month for beef exports to Mexico, buoyed by a strong peso and robust food service demand, the USMEF said. April shipments totaled 14,403 tonnes, up 10% from a year ago, while value climbed 18% to $81.8 million.
For January through April, beef exports to Mexico increased 14% to 64,912 tonnes, valued at $365.4 million, up 17%. These totals included 32,912 tonnes of beef variety meat, up 13% from a year ago, valued at $93.9 million, up 19%.
Mexico is the leading volume destination for US beef variety meat exports.
CATTLE, BEEF RECAP
The USDA reported formula and contract base prices for live FOB steers and heifers this week ranged from $177.80 per cwt to $188.00, compared with last week’s range of $171.68 to $183.03 per cwt. FOB dressed steers, and heifers went for $269.90 per cwt to $286.90, compared with $267.34 to $280.26.
The USDA choice cutout Thursday was up $3.54 per cwt at $328.73 while select was up $2.54 at $304.10. The choice/select spread widened to $24.63 from $23.63 with 77 loads of fabricated product and 32 loads of trimmings and grinds sold into the spot market.
The USDA said basis bids for corn from feeders in the Southern Plains were unchanged at $1.65 to $1.75 a bushel over the Jul corn contract, which settled at $6.16 1/4 a bushel, up $0.06.
No deliveries were tendered against Jun live cattle Thursday.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index for the seven days ended Wednesday was $222.20 per cwt, up $2.92. This compares with Thursday’s Aug contract settlement of $238.65 per cwt, down $5.