Pork exports short of 2024 record, beef feels pinch of China lockout, strong year for lamb

U.S. pork exports posted the second-highest value and third-largest volume on record in 2025, according to year-end data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). 

December beef exports were the largest in eight months, but full-year shipments fell substantially year-over-year, largely due to the ongoing trade impasse with China. 

Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts were the largest in more than a decade.

Pork exports reach annual highs

December pork exports totaled 257,846 metric tons (mt), down 3.5 percent from the large volume posted a year ago but still the third largest of 2025. Export value was $746 million, down three percent but also the third highest of the year. 

December shipments trended higher year-over-year to Mexico, reaching the second-largest monthly volume and value on record. 

Exports also increased to South Korea, Japan, the Caribbean, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Taiwan, but these results were offset by lower volumes to China, Canada, Central and South America and Oceania.

The December results pushed total 2025 pork exports to 2.94 million mt, down three percent from the 2024 record but the third largest on record – also slightly below 2020. Export value was also down three percent from the 2024 record but was the second highest ever at $8.4 billion. 

Exports were record-large to leading market Mexico and to Central America and the Caribbean. Exports to Colombia were down less than one percent from 2024’s volume record and reached a new high in value.

“Last year was outstanding for U.S. pork, especially in our Western Hemisphere markets,” said USMEF President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Halstrom. “Demand in these destinations has maintained multi-year momentum, and duty-free access to our Free Trade Agreement partner countries is a foundational factor in this growth.”

“We are hopeful current trade negotiations will not only maintain this access, but remove barriers for U.S. pork in other markets,” he added.

Beef exports largest in eight months

December beef exports totaled 98,595 mt, down 10.5 percent from a year ago but the largest since April – access to China was largely lost in March. Export value was $809.2 million, down 10 percent but also the highest since April. 

December shipments increased year-over-year to Taiwan, the Middle East, ASEAN, Caribbean, South America and Hong Kong; were steady to Japan and fell only modestly to Korea, Mexico and Canada. But exports to China were minimal, offsetting gains elsewhere.

When excluding China, December beef exports increased four percent year-over-year in volume and were six percent higher in value.

For the full calendar year, beef exports were down 12 percent from 2024 in volume at 1.14 million mt and were 11 percent lower in value at $9.33 billion. When excluding China, 2025 exports were down three percent in volume and just 0.4 percent in value.

“Global demand for U.S. beef – where it’s available to the millions of consumers who love it – has remained strong despite tight supplies and numerous headwinds,” Halstrom said. “USMEF is encouraged by recent market access gains in some markets, but implementation remains key and the industry looks forward to capitalizing on these wins. However, for U.S. beef exports to hit on all cylinders and help maximize the value of every animal, it is imperative access to China is fully restored.”

For both U.S. beef and pork, December was an especially strong month for variety meat exports. 

Beef variety meat shipments achieved the highest-ever monthly value of $122.1 million, while pork variety meat exports were valued at nearly $105 million – the highest since March.

Lamb exports gain momentum

December exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 188 mt, down 10 percent from a year ago, but export value increased 11 percent to $1.1 million. Value growth was driven primarily by Mexico and the Bahamas.

For the full year, lamb muscle cut exports totaled 2,765 mt, up 38 percent and the largest since 2013. 

Export value climbed 29 percent to $15.2 million, the highest value since 2014.

Shipments posted strong year-over-year growth in Mexico, Canada, Central America and Trinidad and Tobago. Mexico’s demand continues to expand to a wider range of items, including underutilized cuts from the breast and shoulder.

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.