USMEF reports November pork and beef exports are below year-ago levels

Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November 2025 but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). 

Beef exports were significantly lower year-over-year, due in large part to the ongoing lockout by China. 

Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest volume since July and highest value since May.

Pork exports 

Exports of U.S. pork totaled 254,085 metric tons (mt) in November 2025, down seven percent from a year ago but the third largest of 2025. Exports were valued at $720.8 million, down eight percent year-over-year but also the third highest of 2025. 

November exports in-
creased year-over-year to Mexico, South Korea and the Dominican Republic and were record large to Guatemala, but these results were offset by lower shipments to China, Japan, Canada and Colombia.

For January through November 2025, pork exports totaled 2.68 million mt, down three percent from the record pace of 2024, while value also fell three percent to $7.65 billion. 

With most of this decline being due to lower variety meat shipments to China, where U.S. pork faces retaliatory duties, January through November exports of pork muscle cuts were just one percent below 2024’s record pace in both volume at 2.19 million mt and value at $6.57 billion.

“The pork export numbers continue to be impressive, with broad-based growth mostly offsetting the obstacles in China,” said USMEF President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Halstrom. “It was especially gratifying to see per-head export value topping $70 in November, which is excellent news for U.S. producers and for the entire pork supply chain.”

While down slightly from a year ago, November pork export value per head slaughtered was outstanding at $70.26. The January through November average was $65.54, down less than one percent from the record pace of 2024.

Beef exports

Following an encouraging rebound the previous month, November beef exports took a step back, falling 19 percent from a year ago to 88,139 mt. Export value was down 16 percent to $736.7 million.

The decline was driven primarily by China, where exports remain minimal due to China’s failure to renew registrations for U.S. beef plants and other market-closing factors, but beef exports also trended lower year-over-year to Korea, Mexico, Canada and Taiwan. 

November exports in-
creased year-over-year to Indonesia, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Colombia and were fairly steady to Japan.

For January through November 2025, beef exports totaled 1.04 million mt, down 12 percent from the same period in 2024. Export value was $8.52 billion, down 11 percent, but when excluding China from these results, exports were down three percent year-over-year in volume and were just one percent lower in value.

“With each day U.S. beef is locked out of the world’s largest import market, our industry misses out on millions of dollars and our competitors reap the benefits,” Halstrom said. “It’s also frustrating this impasse overshadows the fact global demand for U.S. beef remains resilient, even in the face of tight supplies.”

Lamb exports

November 2025 exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 237 mt, up 87 percent from a year ago and the largest since July. Export value increased 65 percent to $1.45 million, the highest since May.

Growth was driven by Mexico, the Netherlands Antilles and the Bahamas, as well as larger shipments to Central America and Japan.

For January through November, lamb muscle cut exports increased 44 percent year-over-year to 2,577 mt, while value climbed 31 percent to $14.1 million.

With December results still to be added, exports have already posted the largest annual volume since 2014 and the highest value since 2017.

USMEF collects and analyzes market intelligence, implements promotional programs and collaborates with industry stakeholders and governmental agencies to increase U.S. red meat exports. For more information, visit usmef.org.