February pork exports were moderately lower than a year ago, despite continued success in Mexico and Central America, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation.
February beef exports also were lower than last year after trending higher in January, a USMEF release said.
PORK EXPORTS DECLINE
February pork exports totaled 241,179 tonnes, down 9,978 tonnes, or 3.97%, from the large year-ago volume of 251,157 tonnes, while value fell $13.985 million, or 2.04%, to $671.489 million from $685.474 million.
For the first two months of 2025, pork exports, at 485,144 tonnes, were 17,437 tonnes, or 3.47%, less than last year’s record pace of 502,581 tonnes, with value down $28 million, or 2.05%, to $1.340 billion from $1.368 billion.
Although February pork exports to leading market Mexico saw a slight year-over-year decline in volume (93,178 mt, down 1%), value climbed 7% to $202.6 million – the eighth straight month in which shipments to Mexico topped $200 million, the USMEF said.
BEEF EXPORTS DIP
Beef exports totaled 98,198 tonnes in February, down 5,487 tonnes, or 5.29%, from 103,685 tonnes a year ago, while value declined $39.341 billion, or 4.69%, to $800.042 million from $839.383 million last year.
January-February shipments, at 201,038 tonnes, were 2,658 tonnes, or 1.30%, less than last year’s 203,696 tonnes, but value increased $11 million, or 0.69%, to $1.605 billion from $1.594 billion.
February beef exports to leading value market South Korea were slightly above last year at 18,540 tones, while value climbed 4% to $179.8 million, the USMEF said.
CHINA DIGS IN
In February and March, many US pork, beef and poultry plants along with cold storage facilities were due for a five-year eligibility renewal by China’s General Administration of Customs, the USMEF said. Pork and poultry plants were renewed on the March 16 expiration date, but GACC still has not renewed the eligibility of any US beef establishments, and the majority of US beef production is now ineligible for China.
China also announced additional retaliatory duties of 34%, against President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs to take effect April 10, the USMEF said.
USMEF President Dan Halstrom said in the USMEF release that new US tariffs also have created uncertainty for buyers of US red meat in other destinations where retaliation could affect market access and prices.
“USMEF is hopeful that instead of retaliating, other trading partners will choose to lower trade barriers for US exports,” Halstrom said. “This would certainly ease the concerns of importers and reduce volatility in the global markets.”
CATTLE, BEEF RECAP
The USDA reported formula and contract base prices for live FOB steers and heifers this week ranged from $209.06 per cwt to $209.28, compared with last week’s range of $210.15 to $214.47 per cwt. FOB dressed steers, and heifers went for $331.72 per cwt to $333.20, compared with $329.75 to $339.08.
The USDA choice cutout Monday was up $1.05 per cwt at $339.50 while select was up $2.12 at $319.30. The choice/select spread narrowed to $20.20 from $21.27 with 70 loads of fabricated product and 21 loads of trimmings and grinds sold into the spot market.
The USDA-listed the weighted average wholesale price for fresh 90% lean beef was $382.13 per cwt, and 50% beef was $117.25.
The USDA said basis bids for corn from feeders in the Southern Plains were unchanged at $1.20 to $1.32 a bushel over the May corn contract, which settled at $4.64 1/2, up $0.04 1/4.
No live cattle were tendered for delivery Monday.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index for the seven days ended Friday was $290.00 per cwt, down $1.95. This compares with Monday’s Apr contract settlement of $277.82, down $1.60.