Protein trade themes
Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist
The latest trade data reveals several trade themes and impacts of recent events. April beef exports were 3.4 percent lower year over year but are up 6.9 percent for the January to April total. Beef imports were fractionally lower in April and are up 3.3 percent for the year to date. Total cattle imports were down 9.5 percent in April and are down 7.3 percent so far this year. Pork exports were up 22.3 percent in April and are up 35.2 percent for the year to date. Broiler exports were up 7.6 percent in April and are 7.8 percent higher year over year for the January to April period.
China continues to struggle with the impacts of African Swine Fever (ASF) and the resulting protein shortages. This is supporting U.S. protein exports. With pork as the preferred meat, pork exports to China continue very strong. April pork exports to China were up 365.2 percent with year to date exports to China up 458.2 percent year over year. China has replaced Mexico as the leading pork export market, accounting for 30.4 percent of total pork exports so far this year. China is importing other proteins as well. Broiler exports to China jumped sharply in April and accounted for 12.9 percent of total broiler exports. U.S. beef exports to China remain small, but are growing. Beef exports to China were up 95.1 percent year over year in April and are up 38.7 percent thus far this year. China accounts for 1.0 percent of total beef exports for the year to date.
Mexico is struggling with harsh recessionary economic conditions and COVID-19 impacts. Mexico is the largest export destination for U.S. broiler exports. April broiler exports to Mexico were even with one year ago and are up 12.5 percent for the year to date. As noted above, Mexico has dropped to second as destination for U.S. pork exports. April pork exports to Mexico were down 16.8 percent year over year but are still 5.3 percent higher for the year to date. Beef exports to Mexico dropped dramatically by 61.7 percent in April contributing to a 22.0 percent decrease so far in 2020.
April beef imports were up from New Zealand (+28.2 percent year over year) and Mexico (+8.9 percent) but down from Australia (-15.6 percent) and Canada (-26.5 percent) compared to one year ago. Beef exports to Japan continue to improve, reflecting the restoration of a competitive tariff situation this year. April beef exports to Japan were up 43.2 percent with year to date exports up 23.6 percent.
Considerable uncertainty remains in the U.S. and global markets going forward. While domestic protein markets continue to sort out the COVID-19 and recessionary impacts, meat trade is generally offering a much needed bright spot across all protein industries.
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